Friday Focus - Benromach Distillery

The focus of this Fridays blog is Speyside distillery, Benromach.

We've always been huge fans of Benromach distillery, so much so, we recently bottled our very own single cask. They produce an exceptional spirit at a very fair price given their hands on/craft approach to distillation.

Located on the outskirts of the ancient town of Forres, Benromach can trace its roots back to 1898.  Following previous periods of closure, the distillery was bought in 1993 by Elgin based, family run Gordon and MacPhail, one of Scotlands oldest and most respected Whisky specialists and independent bottlers. It reopened its doors and began production again in 1998.

'The Benromach Way'

Whisky production done the old way or as they call it 'The Benromach Way' is  central to the operation of the distillery, loyal to the bygone whisky making traditions of the region. Focus is very much on the knowledge and skill of the workforce, favouring craftsmanship over computerisation. The distillery prides itself on what they call 'handmade whisky' with all casks hand filled and stencilled, individually weighed and stowed in traditional dunnage warehouses to mature.

Provenance

Locally grown barley is malted using a little peat smoke which helps to give Benromach a distinctive old world Speyside character. Water is sourced from the Chapelton Spring in the Romach hills behind the distillery. Two types of yeast, a brewers yeast and a distillers yeast are used, combining to create a depth of flavour. The distillation process in two bespoke copper stills produce a medium bodied spirit ready for the maturation stage. Benromach age their whisky exclusively in first fill Bourbon and sherry casks which adds further complex flavours.

'The Fourth Ingredient'

The local workforce is important to Scotlands main whisky regions. Bringing a wealth of knowledge often passed down through generations, this expertise is inherent to the style of whisky produced by each region. Speyside is one such region and Benromach epitomises Speyside's rich whisky heritage.

Alongside the familiar ingredients of single malt, barley, water and yeast, Benromach proudly cite the expertise of their people as the fourth ingredient and you can understand why. An authentic craft approach to whisky production utilising the skill and personal knowledge of the distillers certainly gives huge influence and personality to the finished product. 

Benromach 15 year old

Benromach 15 year old is a delightful example of an excellent single malt. Matured for 15 years in a combination of first fill bourbon and sherry casks, rich fruits with hints of spice dominate with the distinctive yet subtle smokey character of a Speyside malt.

In the spirit of Benromach, the sharing of knowledge and expertise across generations and true authenticity in production, we think this is a dram best shared. To celebrate Father's Day next month, we're delighted to be able to offer a bottle of the magnificent 15 year old along with two 1898 Benromach branded tasting glasses for just £57.99!

If you'd like to enjoy a dram of Benromach with someone special, you can purchase this great offer via the following link.

Sláinte 

Em x