Benrinnes 2008 8 Year Old (cask 11072) - Provenance (70cl, 46%)
Until 2007, Benrinnes had a unique triple distillation process that resulted in a single malt highly prized by blenders for its distinct "meaty" quality. So much so in fact, that none was spared for an official distillery bottling until United Distillers introduced the 15 year old Flora & Fauna release. Thankfully, the distillery has always featured in the catalogues of independent bottlers, giving ample opportunity to experience this sought after single malt.
Douglas Laing & Co was established in 1948 by Fred Douglas Laing, affectionately known as “FDL.” The company started out as a blending business, but over time their focus shifted towards independently bottlings single malts. Fred died in 1982, leaving the business to his two sons, Stewart and Fred Jr, who eventually carved it up in 2013, with Stewart leaving to establish Hunter Laing. Fred Jr and his daughter Cara now run Douglas Laing, which continues to bottle single malt and has also revived its blending business. Additionally, the company has recently moved into distilling as well, announcing plans to construct the new Clutha distillery in Glasgow, and taking over Strathearn in Perthshire in 2019.
For many years the Provenance brand was produced by Douglas McGibbon & Co, a subsidiary of Douglas Laing. When the company was carved up between the parent firm and the newly established Hunter Laing in 2013, the Provenance brand became part of the main Douglas Laing portfolio., forming the entry level of their Exceptional Single Casks range.