Dark, spirited, and brimming with Speyside character, Douglas Laing’s Old Particular “Midnight Series” Benrinnes 8 Year Old (Sherry Butt, Vintage 2014) is proof that age alone doesn’t define depth. This single cask expression captures the moody allure of night, bold sherry influence, vibrant fruit, and a touch of youthful fire. It’s a whisky that feels alive in the glass: intense, elegant, and unfiltered, distilled by Benrinnes and bottled by Douglas Laing, Scotland’s master of authenticity and single cask artistry.

Douglas Laing’s Old Particular “Midnight Series” Speyside – Benrinnes 8 Year Old (Sherry Butt, Vintage 2014)
Brand: Douglas Laing | Category: Single Malt Scotch Whisky | ABV: 48.4% | Origin: Speyside, Scotland | Volume: 700ml

Tasting Profile:
Nose: Bursting with dried fruit, cocoa, and dark toffee. Notes of sultanas, orange peel, and cinnamon rise with a whisper of roasted nuts and warm oak. Youthful energy wrapped in sherried sophistication.
Palate: Full and expressive. A rush of red fruit, nutmeg, and brown sugar leads into waves of malted sweetness and oak spice. There’s structure and freshness in equal measure, a perfect interplay of cask and spirit.
Finish: Lingering and vibrant. Cocoa powder, raisins, and gentle pepper spice fade slowly, leaving warmth and a subtle sweetness that echoes long after.

Production Details:
Distilled at Benrinnes in 2014 and bottled after eight years in a single sherry butt, this release is part of Douglas Laing’s evocative Midnight Series, a collection celebrating the darker, more expressive side of Speyside whisky. Non-chill filtered and natural in color, every drop is unaltered, capturing the true spirit of the cask. The youthful age allows the sherry’s richness and Benrinnes’ muscular malt character to shine brightly together.

Perfect For:
Those who love a lively, sherried dram with personality. Perfect for evening pours, late night tastings, or pairing with dark chocolate. It’s bold enough for connoisseurs, yet inviting for those discovering the magic of single cask whiskies.

Expert Notes:
Whisky critics praise this release for its “surprising maturity and structure,” describing it as “a spirited, fruit-forward Speyside with sherry power beyond its years.” It exemplifies what Douglas Laing does best, authenticity, purity, and character distilled into every bottle.

Customer Reviews:
“Vibrant, rich, and alive, you’d never guess it’s only eight years old.”   Ronan T.
“Big sherry, bold spice, and a beautiful finish. A fantastic cask pick.”   Leah P.
“Benrinnes’ weighty malt character shines here. Delicious and honest.”   Fraser M.

Interesting Fact:
Benrinnes is one of Speyside’s most distinct distilleries, known for its robust, almost meaty spirit due to its partial triple distillation, a rare technique in modern Scotch whisky. That character makes it ideal for rich sherry cask maturation, producing whiskies that punch well above their age.

Serving Suggestions:
Enjoy neat to savor its full-bodied texture and sherry depth. Add a few drops of water to open up layers of fruit and spice, or pair it with dark chocolate or espresso for a luxurious nightcap.

Distillery Background:
Founded in 1826 and rebuilt after a devastating flood, Benrinnes Distillery sits at the base of the mountain that shares its name, overlooking the heart of Speyside. Known for producing a dense, flavorful spirit beloved by blenders and connoisseurs alike, Benrinnes is a cult favorite among single malt enthusiasts. Through Douglas Laing’s Old Particular, its power and personality take center stage, bottled without compromise, straight from cask to glass.