Benriach single malt Scotch whisky is one of Speyside’s most versatile and innovative distilleries, celebrated for producing an unusually wide range of styles, from classic unpeated malts to richly smoky peated expressions, and an array of creative cask finishes. Founded in 1898 by John Duff, Benriach was built next to its sister distillery, Longmorn, just south of Elgin. Unfortunately, it fell victim to the “Pattison Crash” of 1899, closing only two years after opening. For decades, the stills lay silent, with the distillery operating only as a maltings to supply Longmorn.
Benriach’s fortunes turned in 1965 when Glenlivet Distillers reopened the site, and it has remained active ever since. In 2004, it entered a new chapter under independent ownership led by Billy Walker, who transformed its reputation with a series of acclaimed releases. Today, under the guidance of master blender Rachel Barrie and ownership by Brown-Forman, Benriach continues to innovate while respecting its heritage.
One of Benriach’s distinguishing features is its commitment to producing both unpeated and peated spirit, unusual for a Speyside distillery. This tradition of peated production dates back to the 1970s, when demand for smoky malt in blending was high. The result is a portfolio that ranges from soft, honeyed Speyside styles to robust, smoky drams reminiscent of Highland peat.
The distillery also operates its own on-site floor maltings for a portion of its barley, a rarity in modern Scotch production. Combined with long fermentation times and tall, slender stills, Benriach’s methods yield a fruity, aromatic new make that works beautifully with a wide range of cask types.
Cask innovation is central to Benriach’s identity. Alongside traditional maturation in ex-bourbon and ex-sherry casks, the distillery is known for finishing its whisky in unusual and flavour-enhancing oak, including port pipes, rum barrels, Madeira casks, and virgin oak. This experimentation produces a variety of flavour profiles — from tropical fruit and creamy vanilla to rich dried fruit, spice, and chocolate.
The core range reflects this diversity:
• The Original Ten — a light, approachable unpeated Speysider with orchard fruit, honey, and toasted oak.
• The Smoky Ten — combining peated spirit with bourbon, Jamaican rum, and virgin oak casks for a sweet-smoky balance.
• The Twelve — sherry-led richness with layers of chocolate and spice.
• The Smoky Twelve — a marriage of smoky malt and sherry, bourbon, and marsala casks.
Older age statements, such as the 21, 25, and 30 Year Olds, offer remarkable depth, with complex layering from multiple cask maturations.
Benriach’s peated releases, such as Curiositas and Smoke Season, show that Speyside peat can rival island styles in intensity while maintaining a fruit-forward character. Independent bottlings from Signatory Vintage, Gordon & MacPhail, and others provide additional perspectives, often at cask strength.
Our Benriach Single Malt Scotch Whisky selection covers this full spectrum, from fresh, fruit-driven Speyside classics to deeply smoky, multi-cask-matured experiments. Whether you’re exploring the gentle side of Speyside, seeking a peat-infused twist, or hunting for innovative cask finishes, Benriach offers a rare combination of tradition, variety, and creativity that makes it one of Scotland’s most exciting distilleries.
