Back in early 2023, I attended a launch event at the Crabshak in Glasgow. The evening was a first opportunity to hear from the team behind the newly established MacMillan Spirits Co. As well as introducing their Wheelhouse Whisky, Machair Gin and Molucca Rum, MacMillan Spirits told of their plans to open the Benbecula Distillery.
Production at the Benbecula Distillery began in June of 2024, meaning their spirit hasn’t reached the all-important three-year mark yet. So, no Benbecula whisky for now, but I was fortunate enough to be given a wee sample of their new make spirit, and you can check out my tasting notes below.
It’s important to note that new make often doesn’t bear much resemblance to the mature version of the same spirit. Indeed, it isn’t really the job of a new make spirit to be a pleasant drink in its own right. Rather, its role is to contain all the required elements that will allow it to mature into the desired flavour profile. Still, sampling the spirit can be a fun and educational experience. It’s a first glimpse, even if only a hint, at the character of a future whisky. What’s not to love?
Benbecula New Make Spirit
This is a sample of new make spirit – unaged whisky, in other words – that’s been bottled at 70% abv.
Nose: Really fruity. Heading towards overripe fruits. Apples, pears, bananas… Then the barley comes through, more dusty grist than the malt itself. Is that a wee whisper of smoke at the back?
Taste: Honeyed malt at the front, developing some peppery heat and liquorice. A wee hint of subtle, ashy smoke at the back. Very oily mouthfeel that’s really quite satisfying.
With water…
Nose: The prickly heat on the nostrils has toned down. There’s a freshness now, like breathing in sea air.
Taste: Still with the honey, some toffee now too. Dry smoke coming through midway, mingling with some orange citrus. Burst of warming spice on the finish.
Neat, the wee liquorice note almost threatens to turn a bit rubbery, but that will mature out in cask. It has a lovely creamy texture, though, and when water was added, it held together really well. Actually quite a pleasant sipper, even though I’ve only diluted it slightly from its 70% bottling strength. Bags of potential. Can’t wait to see this as a whisky.
For more on Benbecula Distillery visit here
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