Murray McDavid Caol Ila 10 Years Benchmark (53.1%)

Murray McDavid Benchmark Caol Ila 10 Years is an Islay single malt, distilled in 2014 and bottled in 2025 at 53.1% ABV. It belongs to the Benchmark series, which pairs well-known distilleries with particular casks and finishes. Maturation ran in three stages: five to six years in refill bourbon hogsheads, then first fill PX sherry barriques, then first fill Amarone wine barriques. It is non-chill filtered, of natural colour, and was bottled in a run of 1,262 bottles. On the nose there is floral hickory smoke, briny apricot and a hint of plum. The palate brings grilled berries, smoky apple and a touch of tamarind, and the finish is long and soft with orchard fruit, warm spices and smouldering wood ash.