Benriach

Founded in 1897 and built in 1898 the distillery sits within the Speyside region of Scotland’s whisky production.

Built in a “ boom” period for whisky production the 1890s witnessed around 33 licensed distilleries built and with 21 of these located within Speyside it showed the region was the perfect setting for the production of whisky.

Just two short years later the distillery closed its doors for a 65 year sleep due to the massive impact on the industry from the “ Patterson crash “

The saving grace for the Distillery was the floor maltings which were used in conjunction with its sister distillery at that time Longmorn..

The warehouses were also used by Longmorn and these two factors probably saved the distillery from destruction.

Another rich period in the history of whisky production saves the distillery when Glenlivet Distillers Ltd reopens Benriach due to the growing demand for whisky to be exported into the USA.

Today production at Benriach is done under the American ownership of Brown Forman who took over the company in 2016 along with Glendronach and Glenglassaugh.

Capacity at Benriach is around 2.8 million litres of alcohol per year although actual production is short of this figure. The distillery is equipped with a 5.8 ton cast iron mash tun with stainless steel shell, 8 stainless steel washbacks and two pairs of stills.

Production is split in order to produce both un peated whisky, peated ( around 240,000 litres ) and a small amount of triple distilled spirit ( around 35,000 litres) .

14 year old Port cask #3791

Distillery.. Benriach

Region.. Speyside

Age.. 14 years

Abv.. 55.3%

Cask.. Port #3791

Nose.. Smoke infused fruit aromas rise gently with a luscious sweetness following closely behind. Dried fruits, plum and the aroma of apples stewing away in a large pan, cinnamon and a hint of candied orange.

Palate.. Dates, plum, wild summer fruits, chocolate and orange all wrapped in a soft smokey jacket, hints of oak, cinnamon with a little ginger root and a touch of citrus peel bitterness.

Finish.. Smokey oak.

Thoughts.. The fact the smoke in this is rather soft makes this far more enjoyable and balanced, no overwhelming or dominant aromas or flavours but just something that feels well made and intended for those who actually want to enjoy its story and enhance their journey..

Sample provided by Benriach..