The Benromach Distillery Company, a subsidiary of Gordon & Macphail, has announced a new expression that is available exclusively at the distillery visitor centre.
Limited to 238 bottles, the spirit was distilled in 2000 and bottled in 2016 from cask number 757. It is described as having “a sweet vanilla scent followed by a balance of tropical fruit, cocoa powder and peat smoke aromas” with a “smooth but spicy flavour that exudes sweet bursts of banana, mango and passion fruit, complemented by bonfire embers”.
The first distillery exclusive expression from Benromach was launched to coincide with the Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival in April 2016. Only 240 bottles of the whisky were available and it sold out within seven weeks.
Benromach Distillery, based on the outskirts of Forres in Moray, was revived by the Urquhart family of Gordon & MacPhail and re-opened in 1998. Since then its whisky has grown in popularity around the world and is described as “a classic Speyside malt that draws its influence from the Speyside whiskies of the pre-1960s”.
The growth of the brand has led to expansion at the distillery, including new warehouses and a larger team. The four-star distillery visitor centre is open to the public throughout the year for tours and tastings, and has recently upgraded its facilities. The upgrade included the development of three new tasting rooms, one of which can be found within Benromach House – the old distillery manager’s residence.
Distillery manager Keith Cruickshank says: “The first Benromach distillery exclusive, a first fill bourbon barrel, has been thoroughly enjoyed by whisky lovers across the world. We’re sure the new distillery exclusive will be a similar success and the new facilities at the distillery certainly provide a wonderful setting for us to introduce this whisky, and the other products in our range.”
5 August 2016 - Christopher Coates The Drinks Report, staff writer