2010 Berry Bros. & Rudd Benriach, Cask Ref. 08036, Bottled 2023, Speyside, Single Malt Scotch Whisky (61.1%)

Benriach Distillery, Speyside

Benriach Distillery was established in 1898 by the Grant family on the same site as Longmorn distillery. It was mothballed just two years of commencing production, as a result of  the ‘Pattison Crash’.

In 1965 the distillery was re-opened by Glenlivet distillers after a period that saw most of the distillery re-built. In 1978 Benriach was purchased by the Canadian whisky firm, Seagrams and as a result of the need to step up production, Benriach was extended from two stills to four. In April 2004 the distillery was acquired by was acquired by 3 entrepreneurs led by Scotch Whisky industry veteran Billy Walker.

In 2007 the distillery extended its core range with 3 single malt expressions; Heredotus Fumosus, Importanticus Fumosus and Arumaticus Fumosus. Each malt is aged 12 years old, distilled from heavily peated malted barley, and finished in either Pedro Ximinez Sherry butts (Heredotus), Aged Tawny Port hogsheads (Importanticus) or Dark Rum barrels (Arumaticus).

The core range includes 12yo, 16yo  and 20yo bottlings, while BenRiach 25 years old and 30 years old were launched in June 2006, four 15YO wood finishes in November 2006, and the super premium and extremely limited 40 years old (the oldest BenRiach in existence) in January 2007

Independent bottlings are also available, such as the Connoissuers Choice (Gordon MacPhail).

The signature style of the distillery is a richly flavoured malt, emphasizing honey, vanilla and heather flowers, with sweet spices and a milk chocolate ovetones.

Benriach has punched above its weight during the past few years and in February 2008 it was rewarded with the distinction of Whisky Distiller of the Year by the Whisky Magazine

Speyside Whisky

To some Speyside represents the jewel in whisky’s crown. Speyside is the home of legal whisky production and it’s best known examples. Around the world Glenlivet, Macallan, Glenfiddich, Glenrothes and Glenfarclas typify all that whisky, at it’s best has to offer. At it’s heart running from the Monadhliath mountains north to the sea, is the River Spey. It is the fastest flowing river in Britain, and also well known for its salmon fishing.

Speyside is the principal whisky-producing region: Speyside has within it some forty-six operating distilleries - over half the total number in the entire Scotland.

Speysides are essentially sweet whiskies. They have little peaty character They are typically highly perfumed, feminine and elegant.

The classical nature of Speyside’s malts means that a number of the finest malts are used almost exclusively for blending. It is the top Speysider’s that give good blends their ‘Top Dressing’. 

Malts such as Mortlach, Glen Elgin, Strathmill and Benrinnes are rarely found as distillery bottlings, however when individual casks are tracked down by independent bottlers such as our Own Selection Single Malt Whiskies the resultant whisky can be quite wonderful.