When it comes to Speyside single malts, we usually expect delicate, fruity profiles that showcase the region's signature style. But as we found out last week with Benromach 10, some Speysides pack an unexpected smoky punch. This week, we turn our attention to BenRiach 10 Year "The Original Ten", another Speyside whisky that promises its own unique twist. Clocking in at 43% ABV (86 proof) and aged for 10 years, this single malt positions itself as a classic Speyside with a hint of complexity. But does it hold its own against its regional peers?
Let’s dive in and see how BenRiach 10 Year fares across our categories.
This review is taken from our episode "Inside Out (2015) / BenRiach 10-Year." Click the link to listen to this review in audio format.
Nose
Bob: Right off the bat, I’m getting a lot of fresh raisin on this—specifically the kind you get from white grapes. It’s really pleasant and stands out immediately. There’s also some lemon peel and a soft peaches and cream vibe that gives this a bright and inviting nose. What surprised me, though, was how it leaned more towards the brightness I usually associate with Irish whiskeys rather than the heavy maltiness of other Speysides. I’m giving this a 7.5/10.
Brad: Yeah, that raisin note is definitely there, along with a honeyed sweetness and a distinct apple peel aroma. I also picked up some pear and a slight cedar note that added depth. It’s not overly complex but still very pleasant. I’ll match your score with a 7.5/10.
Taste
Brad: On the palate, the pear becomes even more dominant, and it kind of drifts into a slight grapefruit bitterness. There’s a light touch of almond and a hint of white chocolate dusting, but overall, it feels a bit more one-dimensional than I expected. I was hoping for more complexity, so I’m dropping it down slightly to a 6.5/10.
Bob: I had a really different experience here. I didn’t get any smoke at all, which was surprising considering this is supposed to be one of those “smokier” Speysides. Instead, it reminded me of drinking a blended scotch or even a cheap Irish whiskey—but in a good way. It’s simple, light, and kind of refreshing. That said, it didn’t leave a lot of flavor on the back end. The palate just…vanishes. I still liked it enough to give it a 7/10, but I was definitely expecting more.
Finish
Brad: The finish is light and delicate but has its charms. It moves into a floral territory, kind of like lilac or even a scented hand soap—which isn’t as bad as it sounds. There’s a bit of honey and almond that linger, but the whole thing fades pretty quickly. It’s not super memorable, but it’s solid. I’m giving it a 7/10.
Bob: I actually thought the finish was borderline non-existent. It left me with a bit of minerality and an earthy, topsoil-like note, but that’s about it. It wasn’t unpleasant, just super faint. For me, it didn’t carry the flavors through like I wanted, so I’m at a 6.5/10.
Balance
Bob: Even though some parts of this whiskey didn’t totally hit for me, I think it’s pretty well-balanced overall. It knows what it is—a light, easy-drinking Speyside—and it doesn’t try to be anything else. There’s no harsh bitterness or overly aggressive flavors, and I appreciate that. I’m giving it a 7.5/10.
Brad: I’m close to where you’re at. The transitions from nose to palate to finish are smooth, even if they’re not groundbreaking. Everything kind of fits together nicely. I’ll go with a 7/10 on balance.
Value
Brad: Here’s where I start having issues. This is priced around $50, the same as the Benromach 10 we tried last week, and I just don’t think it’s as good. Benromach had more character and complexity. With that in mind, I’m giving this a 6/10 on value.
Bob: I’m a bit more forgiving here. While it’s true that Benromach offered more punch for the same price, I think there’s a place for this kind of lighter, fruitier Speyside in a whiskey collection. If you’re looking for an easy sipper that doesn’t challenge you too much, $50 feels fair. I’m going with a 7/10.
Final Scores
- Bob’s Final Score: 35.5/50
- Brad’s Final Score: 34/50
- Average Score: 34.75/50
Final Thoughts
So, where does that leave us? Our typical bar for recommending a whiskey sits at 35/50, and this one just barely misses it. That said, it’s not a hard pass either. If you find a pour of BenRiach 10 Year at a bar, it’s definitely worth a try, especially if you enjoy lighter Speysides with fruity and floral profiles. But if you’re looking to buy a bottle, there are other options in this price range—like the Benromach 10—that might give you more bang for your buck.
Brad sums it up best: “I would still drink this over any bourbon I’ve scored a 34/50. I just love scotch, man.”
It’s a decent pour, but not a standout. Try before you buy if you can.
