Murray McDavid - Benchmark, Glentauchers 9y, 2014-2024, Speyside single malt, st julien wine cask finish, 52.1%, 1326b, scotch whisky

Murray McDavid - Glentauchers 9-Year-Old is a vibrant and expressive Speyside single malt Scotch whisky, distilled in 2014 and bottled in 2024. This whisky is part of Murray McDavid’s Benchmark Series, which celebrates quality single malts that showcase the distillery’s character while exploring innovative cask finishes. After its initial maturation in American oak, this whisky was finished in St. Julien wine casks—a premier Bordeaux red wine—imparting rich notes of dark fruits, tannins, and a touch of elegance. At 52.1% ABV, this cask-strength release balances intensity with refinement, delivering a distinctive and memorable tasting experience. With a limited release of 1326 bottles, this whisky is both collectible and indulgent.

Key Features

1. Speyside Single Malt:

   • Produced at the Glentauchers Distillery, known for its fruity, light, and approachable whiskies, this release preserves the distillery's signature Speyside style while elevating it with a complex wine cask influence.

2. St. Julien Wine Cask Finish:

   • Finished in St. Julien red wine casks, from one of Bordeaux’s most prestigious appellations, the whisky gains depth with flavors of blackcurrants, dark cherries, and a hint of red wine tannins.

3. Cask Strength:

   • Bottled at 52.1% ABV, this cask-strength whisky delivers bold, unadulterated flavors while maintaining balance and drinkability.

4. Limited Edition:

   • With only 1326 bottles produced, this small-batch release is an exclusive showcase of Murray McDavid’s innovative approach to whisky maturation.

Flavour Profile

1. Nose:

   • Aromas of ripe blackberries, redcurrants, and dark cherries dominate, layered with hints of toasted oak, vanilla, and a touch of spicy clove.

2. Palate:

   • A rich and velvety palate with flavors of blackcurrant jam, plums, and milk chocolate, balanced by the wine cask’s tannic dryness and subtle notes of cinnamon and nutmeg. A gentle oak influence adds structure and complexity.

3. Finish:

   • The finish is long and warming, with lingering notes of red wine-soaked fruits, a touch of dark chocolate bitterness, and a faint whisper of spiced oak.

Food Pairing Suggestions

1. Dark Chocolate Desserts:

   • Pair with dark chocolate truffles or a black forest gateau to enhance the whisky’s dark fruit and chocolatey notes.

2. Red Meat:

   • Enjoy with roast lamb or beef tenderloin, as the wine cask’s tannins and fruity notes complement the savory richness of red meats.

3. Cheese:

   • Pair with a mature Gruyère or Comté, where the whisky’s fruitiness and spice balance the cheese’s nutty, creamy flavors.

Who Is It For?

Murray McDavid - Glentauchers 9-Year-Old is ideal for:

• Fans of Wine-Finished Whiskies: The St. Julien wine cask finish adds a unique depth and complexity, appealing to those who enjoy red wine influences in their whiskies.
• Collectors: With a limited release of 1326 bottles, this whisky is an excellent addition to any collection of rare or innovative Scotch whiskies.
• Cask-Strength Enthusiasts: Bottled at 52.1% ABV, this whisky appeals to those who enjoy bold and intense flavors.
• Speyside Lovers: This whisky retains the light and fruity character of Speyside malts, while the wine cask finish adds a distinctive twist.

About the Brand

Murray McDavid is a renowned independent Scotch whisky bottler, established in 1994 and based at the historic Coleburn Distillery in Speyside. Known for their innovative approach to whisky production, Murray McDavid specializes in unique cask finishes and small-batch bottlings. The brand’s Benchmark Series highlights single malts that exemplify the distillery’s character while exploring creative cask maturation techniques.