Benrinnes distillery

Introduction to Benrinnes

A distillery with a passion for craftsmanship

Benrinnes is a historic Scottish distillery nestled in the heart of Speyside, one of Scotland’s most celebrated whisky regions. Located on the slopes of Ben Rinnes mountain, this hidden gem has been producing distinctive malts since the early 19th century, often flying under the radar despite its importance to the blending industry.

The distillery’s remote location provides both the perfect water source and a dramatic backdrop that influences the character of its spirit. Benrinnes has cultivated a reputation for creating robust, complex whiskies that showcase the perfect balance between tradition and distinctive production methods.

Why we have a soft spot for Benrinnes

At Vault of Spirits, we treasure distilleries that maintain their individual character while embracing their heritage. Benrinnes captures our attention through its unique partial triple distillation process and traditional worm tub condensers, creating a whisky with exceptional body and complexity.

The distillery’s output may not be widely known as a single malt, but connoisseurs recognize its value and distinctive profile. Its relative scarcity as an official bottling makes independent releases particularly exciting, offering a window into one of Speyside’s most characterful spirits.

The History of Benrinnes

Origins and development

Benrinnes was officially established in 1826 by Peter McKenzie, though some records suggest earlier distilling activity on the site dating back to 1810. Located near Aberlour in Banffshire, the original distillery was actually washed away by floods in 1829, only to be rebuilt in a new location by John Innes.

The distillery has weathered many changes of ownership and survived challenging times in the whisky industry. In 1896, it was acquired by John Dewar & Sons, before eventually becoming part of Diageo’s portfolio, where it remains today. Despite maintaining a relatively low profile, Benrinnes has been a consistent contributor to famous blends like Johnnie Walker and J&B.

The people behind the spirit

Today, Benrinnes operates under Diageo’s expert management, with a small team of dedicated craftspeople overseeing the production. The distillery staff maintain the traditional methods that give Benrinnes its distinctive character while ensuring consistent quality.

Though not often in the spotlight, the team’s commitment to preserving the distillery’s unique production methods has ensured that Benrinnes maintains its special place in the whisky landscape, creating spirit that is highly prized by blenders and independent bottlers alike.

Craftsmanship and Production

From raw materials to final product

Benrinnes employs an unusual production method that sets it apart from most Scotch whisky distilleries. Until 2007, it practiced a partial triple distillation method, somewhat similar to what’s found in Irish whiskey production but with its own unique configuration.

The distillery uses high-quality malted barley from approved maltsters. Its mashing process is conducted in a traditional cast-iron mash tun, extracting rich sugars from the grist before fermentation in wooden washbacks – a traditional touch that many believe contributes subtle complexity to the spirit.

Perhaps most distinctive is Benrinnes’ use of worm tub condensers rather than modern shell-and-tube condensers. These traditional copper coils submerged in cold water create less copper contact with the spirit, resulting in a heavier, more sulfury character that gives Benrinnes its meaty, robust profile.

Maturation and aging

The new make spirit from Benrinnes is typically filled into a combination of ex-bourbon American oak casks and some sherry casks. This aging process takes place in traditional dunnage warehouses where the spirit can mature slowly, developing rich complexity and depth.

During maturation, the distinctive spirit from the worm tubs interacts with the wood to create a full-bodied whisky with remarkable texture. Independent bottlers often select exceptional single casks from Benrinnes, showcasing the distillery’s potential when given time to fully develop its complex character.

Selected products from Benrinnes

Benrinnes 15 Year Old Flora & Fauna – An introduction to the house style

This official bottling (although now discontinued) was the benchmark expression of Benrinnes character. Notes of dried fruits, nuts, subtle spice and a distinctive meaty richness make this a fascinating introduction to the distillery’s style. The full-bodied character and pleasant oiliness show why Benrinnes is so prized by blenders and enthusiasts alike.

Independent bottlings – Experiences for connoisseurs

Some of the finest expressions of Benrinnes come from independent bottlers like Signatory, Gordon & MacPhail, and others. These single cask releases often showcase the distillery at higher strengths and with varied cask influences. Expect intense fruitiness, rich mouthfeel, underlying maltiness, and often delightful notes of baking spices and subtle sulfur – these bottles represent an opportunity to explore the true character of this underappreciated distillery.

Visiting the distillery

Tours and tastings

Benrinnes is not typically open to the public as a visitor attraction, operating primarily as a production facility for Diageo’s blended whisky portfolio. Whisky enthusiasts hoping to visit must make special arrangements, as regular tours are not conducted.

For those wishing to experience the environment that shapes Benrinnes whisky, the surrounding area offers stunning views of the eponymous Ben Rinnes mountain and the beautiful Speyside landscape. Nearby distilleries like Aberlour and Glenfarclas do offer visitor experiences and can provide context for the region’s whisky traditions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Benrinnes?

Benrinnes is a Speyside single malt whisky distillery located near Aberlour in Scotland. It is known for producing a robust, full-bodied spirit with distinctive character, achieved through traditional production methods including worm tub condensers. While much of its production is destined for blends, single malt bottlings showcase its unique profile.

Where is Benrinnes located?

Benrinnes Distillery sits at the foot of Ben Rinnes mountain in Speyside, Scotland, near the town of Aberlour in Banffshire. This location provides excellent water sources from the Scurran and Rowantree burns, which flow from the mountain and contribute to the distillery’s distinctive character.

What characterizes Benrinnes whisky?

Benrinnes is particularly noted for its meaty, robust character with a distinctive sulfury note that comes from its worm tub condensers. The whisky typically displays rich maltiness, nutty qualities, dried fruit notes, and a substantial, oily mouthfeel. Until 2007, its partial triple distillation process added further complexity to its already distinctive profile.

Where can I buy whisky from Benrinnes?

You can find selected bottles from Benrinnes at Vault of Spirits. We carefully curate the best expressions – including both rare official releases and exceptional independent bottlings – giving you access to this often-overlooked Speyside gem. While official bottlings are limited, we pride ourselves on finding outstanding independent casks that showcase Benrinnes’ true character.