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If you’re a Scotch lover who recently won the lottery—or are just plain rich—or are expecting a really great 50th birthday or anniversary gift from the family—then check out this very limited edition from Benriach Distillery in Speyside.
Only four bottles will be available in the U.S.
Distilled on September 21st, 1966, this rouge-chestnut gold beauty has an A.B.V. of 44.5% (89 proof), with a nose of chestnut, maraschino cherry, and gentle acacia honey, interwoven with seductive truffle, narcissus, and refined musk, on a perfectly honed background of oak.
The palate promises luxurious refinement, per the brand, with sublime honeyed dates and delicate oak spices, in harmony with the lingering finesse of apple, pear, and traces of grapefruit.
(They told us all this—there are not exactly samples available.)
And the cost, as noted in the headline: $25,000.
The Scotch was crafted from one exceptional cask by Master Blender Dr. Rachel Barrie, following decades of maturation in Benriach’s Speyside warehouses.
Benriach 1966 Cask Aged 50 Years is the first Benriach expression to be bottled at 50 years old. The bespoke crystal decanter was made in Scotland by Glasstorm.
Each decanter is nestled in a presentation box made by master craftsman John Galvin (photo #1). Its design inspired by the colorful array of eclectic casks which fill Benriach’s warehouses, where the cask has been nurtured for half a century.
ABOUT BENRIACH SCOTCH WHISKY
This Speyside single malt has a heritage dating to 1898, when founder John Duff built the distillery.
The distillery stands on the site of the old Riach Farm in north Speyside (benriach means Hill of Riach in Scottish Gaelic).
Its water flows from a mineral-rich aquifer, deep beneath the grounds.
Visitors are invited. You can book a tour on the website.
TO PURCHASE BENRIACH SCOTCH WHISKY
The 50-Year-Old is not ready for delivery just yet, but the bottles are being pre-sold.
Serious inquiries can be sent via the Benriach website.
For the other expressions of Benriach, inquire at your nearest fine spirits store.
BENRIACH EXPRESSIONS
Thanks to a long-standing tradition of distilling The distillery produces three styles of Scotch whisky; classic unpeated, Highland peated and triple distilled.
Together with an eclectic selection of casks from around the world, the whisky makers are able to explore the full flavor possibilities of single malt, creating some of the richest, most multi-layered whiskies in Speyside.
Benriach is a Speyside gem, and not all of it is pricey. Some examples:
The 10-Year-Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky can be found online for less than $44.
The 12-Year-Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky is unconventionally made with full sherry cask maturation, combined with Pedro Ximénez and Oloroso sherry cask finishing. The result: unexpected layers of fruit sweetness and toasted oak spice. The price: less than $70.
There are also special editions. See them all here.
MORE TO KNOW
> The different types of whisky/whiskey: a glossary.
> The difference between whisky and whiskey.
> How to cook with Scotch.
> The five different expressions of Scotch and the five Scotch-producing regions.
> Pairing food with single-malt Scotch.
HOLIDAYS TO POUR A GLASS OF SCOTCH
July 27th is National Scotch Day.
March 24th is National Cocktail Day.
March 27th is National Whiskey Day.
May 13th is World Cocktail Day.
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[1] The presentation box is made by a master craftsman (all photos © 2024 Benriach).
[2] No matter what Scotch, store the bottle away from direct sunlight, which can affect the color and delicate flavors and cause evaporation.
[3] We can only imagine the explosive flavor of the 50-Year-Old.
[4] But, other expressions of Benriach are certainly affordable. We’ve found the 10-Year-Old Speyside Single Malt Scotch for under $60, and the 12-Year-Old for a few dollars more.
[5] A gift for any lover of fine Scotch: the Riedel Vinum Single Malt Whisky glass, designed emphasize the elegant creaminess of top quality single malt whisky. See more information here (photo © Riedel).
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