2008 Berry Bros. & Rudd 10-Year-Old BenRiach, Cask Ref. 149, Year of the Rat, Bottled 2019, Speyside, Single Malt Scotch Whisky (58.3%)

This special cask has been bottled to mark Chinese New Year and the start of the new zodiac cycle with the Year of the Rat. A beautifully balanced Speysider, it offers exceptionally vibrant aromas of fresh fruit salad and bags of lime zest. A little time in the glass brings out orange and soft peach notes. The pleasingly viscous palate gives more peachy fruit notes with lashings of manuka honey, and a touch of dried tobacco. A long finish brings banana bread, some delicate oak spice and the merest suggestion of wood-smoke. A worthy dram to toast.