Benriach distillery

Introduction to Benriach

A distillery with a passion for craft

Benriach is a Speyside Scotch whisky distillery that beautifully marries traditional craftsmanship with innovative spirit-making. Located in the heart of Scotland’s most densely populated whisky region, this hidden gem has established a reputation for producing exceptionally diverse and flavorful single malts that showcase the full spectrum of Speyside character.

The distillery stands out for its commitment to exploring the full range of what Scotch whisky can be, from unpeated to peated expressions and a remarkable variety of cask maturation styles.

Why we have a soft spot for Benriach

At Vault of Spirits, we appreciate distilleries that dare to be different while honoring tradition. Benriach captivates us with its eclectic approach to whisky-making, maintaining three distinct styles of distillation – unpeated, peated, and triple distilled – a remarkable rarity in the Speyside region.

Their master blender, Dr. Rachel Barrie, orchestrates an impressive array of cask types to create whiskies that surprise and delight with every sip, making Benriach a treasure trove for the curious whisky explorer.

The history behind Benriach

Origin and development

Benriach was founded in 1898 by John Duff during the whisky boom of the late 19th century. Unfortunately, timing wasn’t on his side – the Pattison Crash of 1899 forced the distillery to close its doors just two years after opening, remaining silent until 1965.

This period of closure, known as the “silent period,” is part of what makes Benriach’s story so intriguing. After reopening, the distillery changed hands several times before being acquired by Brown-Forman in 2016, ushering in a new era of innovation and global recognition.

The people behind

The distillery now thrives under the creative direction of Dr. Rachel Barrie, one of Scotland’s few female master blenders and a true icon in the whisky world. Her exceptional palate and visionary approach have revitalized Benriach’s portfolio, balancing heritage with bold new expressions.

The team at Benriach maintains traditional floor maltings – a rarity in modern Scotch production – demonstrating their commitment to preserving time-honored methods alongside contemporary techniques.

The craft and production

From raw material to finished product

Benriach’s production begins with carefully selected Scottish barley, with a portion still malted on the distillery’s traditional floor maltings. This labor-intensive process allows the distillery to create both unpeated and peated expressions – the latter being quite uncommon for Speyside distilleries.

Distillation takes place in tall copper pot stills that produce a remarkably fruity and elegant spirit. What truly sets Benriach apart is their three-fold approach to distillation: classic unpeated spirit, richly peated malt (a throwback to Speyside’s historical style), and occasional triple-distilled runs that create an exceptionally smooth character.

Maturation and aging

Benriach’s maturation program is among the most diverse in Scotland. The distillery maintains an “eclectic cask inventory” including ex-bourbon barrels, sherry butts, virgin oak, and a fascinating array of wine casks sourced from around the world – from Madeira to Marsala, Port to rum.

This extensive palette of wood types allows Benriach to create an exceptionally varied range of flavor profiles, with each cask imparting its own unique characteristics to the maturing spirit. The warehouses, with their traditional dunnage floors and cool, damp conditions, provide the perfect environment for slow, steady maturation.

Selected products from Benriach

The Original Ten – An introduction to the house style

Benriach’s Original Ten offers the perfect gateway into the distillery’s character. This elegant 10-year-old single malt showcases orchard fruit, honey, and toasted oak notes, beautifully balanced with subtle spice and a creamy mouthfeel that makes it approachable yet complex enough to satisfy seasoned whisky drinkers.

Matured in bourbon barrels, sherry casks, and virgin oak, it demonstrates the distillery’s masterful approach to multi-cask maturation.

The Smoky Twelve – A journey into peated Speyside

For those looking to explore Benriach’s more adventurous side, The Smoky Twelve delivers a fascinating combination of Highland peat smoke with rich fruit and dark chocolate notes. This expression is matured in an innovative combination of bourbon, sherry, and Marsala wine casks.

The result is a multidimensional whisky that challenges preconceptions about peated malts, offering a sophisticated smoky experience that’s more about nuance than overwhelming intensity.

Visit the distillery

Tours and tastings

Benriach offers visitors an immersive experience at their recently renovated visitor center. Tours take you through every aspect of production, from the historic floor maltings to the still house and warehouses, providing insight into both traditional methods and innovative techniques.

Tasting sessions typically include a range of expressions that showcase the distillery’s diverse portfolio, from unpeated to peated styles and special cask finishes, giving visitors a comprehensive understanding of Benriach’s remarkable versatility.

Frequently asked questions

What is Benriach?

Benriach is a Speyside single malt Scotch whisky distillery known for its extraordinarily diverse range of expressions. The distillery produces three distinct styles of whisky – classic unpeated Speyside, Highland peated, and triple-distilled – and employs an eclectic array of cask types for maturation, creating one of the most varied and interesting portfolios in Scotland.

Where is Benriach located?

Benriach Distillery is located in the heart of Speyside, just south of Elgin in Morayshire, Scotland. The distillery sits on the site of the former Riach farm, from which it derives part of its name (Ben meaning “hill” in Gaelic), surrounded by the gently rolling countryside that characterizes this famous whisky-making region.

What characterizes Benriach?

Benriach is characterized by its remarkable versatility and commitment to exploring the full spectrum of Scotch whisky styles. The distillery is known for its three-pronged approach (unpeated, peated, and triple-distilled spirits), extensive cask maturation program, and preservation of traditional floor maltings.

Their whiskies typically showcase pronounced fruit character – from orchard fruits to tropical notes – complemented by honey, vanilla, and spice, with their peated expressions adding a sophisticated smoky dimension.

Where can I buy whisky from Benriach?

You can find carefully selected bottles from Benriach’s diverse portfolio at Vault of Spirits. We curate both core expressions and limited releases, ensuring you have access to the finest examples of this remarkable distillery’s craft. Our collection showcases the versatility and exceptional quality that makes Benriach such a treasure for whisky enthusiasts.