Benromach 2009

Nestled in the historic town of Forres—immortalized by Shakespeare's Macbeth—Benromach Distillery awaits discovery along Scotland's A96 corridor between Elgin and Inverness. This quintessential Speyside gem, owned by independent bottling legend Gordon & McPhail since 1993, has evolved from a quiet producer into a pilgrimage site for discerning whisky enthusiasts, attracting 13,000 visitors in 2018 alone and earning VisitScotland's prestigious Five-Star Visitor Attraction status. The distillery experience encompasses four curated tour options, including exclusive access to observe Red Door Gin production within the same facility. Benromach's production philosophy centers on recreating authentic 1950s Speyside character, employing moderately peated malted barley (12 ppm phenol content) that undergoes slow fermentation in 13 larch washbacks—nine of which were installed in early 2017—for an exceptionally long 67-115 hour cycle. The 1.5-ton semi-lauter mash tun, distinctive with its copper canopy, feeds a pair of condenser-equipped pot stills that craft approximately 400,000 liters of new make spirit annually across 14 mashes weekly, with dedicated two-week periods reserved for peated whisky production. Maturation occurs in five traditional dunnage warehouses, expanded to seven by late 2019. The core portfolio features the benchmark 10-Year-Old, refined 15-Year-Old, and the Cask Strength Vintage 2008 expression, which superseded the classic 100° Proof. Limited releases showcase exceptional depth: a 1978 single cask, a 2009 triple-distilled experimental malt, and a 20th anniversary commemorative bottling. The Heritage Collection, launched Spring 2019, unveiled rare 1972 and 1977 vintages. Special editions include the certified Organic 2011 and Peat Smoke 2008, with March 2019 introducing Peat Smoke Sherry Cask Matured. Innovative wine cask finishes feature Château Cissac 2010 (red wine barriques) and Sassicaia 2011 (Super Tuscan casks). October 2018 marked the philanthropic release of Cask No. 1, comprising the first bottling under Gordon & McPhail's stewardship, with all proceeds benefiting charitable causes.