The Antelope 1997 Benrinnes 28 Year Old Single Cask Single Malt Scotch Whisky

An exceptional expression of mature Speyside whisky, The Antelope 1997 Benrinnes 28 Year Old Single Cask offers a rare insight into the distinctive character of Benrinnes spirit produced during the distillery's historic partial triple-distillation era. Distilled in 1997 and bottled in 2026, this remarkable release has spent nearly three decades maturing in a Refill Hogshead, allowing the whisky's natural complexity to develop with remarkable elegance and restraint.

Bottled at a natural cask strength of 55.2% ABV, with only 177 bottles produced worldwide, this is a compelling expression of old-style Speyside whisky, offering both the sophistication of extended maturation and the unmistakable personality of a truly characterful distillery.

Distillery: Benrinnes Distillery
Bottler: UD (Independent Bottler)
Selected For: Kanpaikai & The Antelope
Series: Dollar Cat Series
Vintage: 1997
Age: 28 Years Old
ABV: 55.2%
Cask Type: Refill Hogshead
Outturn: 177 Bottles

About the Distillery & Bottling

Situated in the heart of Speyside, Benrinnes has long occupied a distinctive position among Scotland's malt whisky distilleries. While the region is frequently associated with elegant, fruit-forward expressions, Benrinnes is particularly admired for producing a more substantial and richly textured spirit, characterised by its depth, complexity and occasionally savoury undertones. This individuality has made mature examples especially sought after among enthusiasts of traditional Scotch whisky.

Of particular significance is the whisky's 1997 vintage, which places its production within Benrinnes' historic period of partial triple distillation. This unusual production arrangement, discontinued in 2007, helped shape the distillery's distinctive spirit character. 

For this exclusive Dollar Cat Series release, the whisky was matured for 28 years in a Refill Hogshead, a cask choice that allows the spirit's inherent character to remain beautifully defined. Selected for Kanpaikai and The Antelope, and limited to just 177 bottles worldwide, this is an expression that celebrates the qualities of mature single malt whisky: balance, individuality and an unmistakable sense of provenance.

Tasting Notes

Nose: An elegant and wonderfully mature bouquet of golden orchard fruits, ripe yellow apples and soft honey, complemented by delicate floral aromas and polished oak. Subtle notes of citrus peel, sweet malt and toasted cereals gradually emerge, alongside a gentle suggestion of fragrant blossoms and aged wood. The extended maturation introduces considerable complexity without overwhelming the whisky's naturally expressive character.

Palate: Rich, full-bodied and beautifully textured, opening with ripe yellow fruits, honeyed malt and a lively burst of citrus. Notes of pineapple, kumquat and lightly caramelised orchard fruits develop across the palate, balanced by seasoned oak, delicate spice and the characteristic weight of traditional Benrinnes spirit. A gentle tartness provides freshness and contrast to the mature fruit sweetness, while the natural cask strength delivers impressive concentration and structure.

Finish: Long, warming and elegantly composed, with lingering orchard fruits, citrus oils and honey gradually giving way to seasoned oak and delicate woody spice. A subtle suggestion of toasted wood smoke emerges towards the end, adding an intriguing final layer to this beautifully mature Speyside single malt.