BenRiach Unveils Oldest Malt Yet

This week Benriach Distillery announced its oldest and most exclusive expression to date: Benriach 1966 Cask Aged 50 Years. Crafted from one exceptional cask by Master Blender Rachel Barrie and with just four precious bottles available in the U.S. market, Benriach 1966 Cask Aged 50 Years is the finest portrayal of Benriach’s signature fruit-laden style. It has been bottled at 44.5% ABV.

“The Benriach 1966 Cask Aged 50 Years is our ultimate treasure,” said Rachel Barrie, Master Blender at Benriach Distillery. “Sip 50 years of opulent refinement with notes of sublime honeyed dates and delicate oak spices in harmony with the lingering finesse of apple, pear and traces of grapefruit.”

“This is our art – a testament to the expertise in and commitment to extraordinary cask maturation at Benriach Distillery. Our ability to nurture flavor has been informed by our heritage in maturing an eclectic array of casks from across the world and we have a creative philosophy and exploratory approach towards whisky making. Over many decades, this has granted an expert understanding of what makes the exceptional cask.”

First filled with unpeated Benriach spirit on September 21, 1966, Bourbon cask 2383 was handpicked for its exquisite character, destined to become the oldest remaining vintage and rarest ever example of Benriach. Following decades of maturation in Benriach’s Speyside warehouses, it emerges as the first Benriach to be bottled at 50 years old.

Benriach 1966 Cask Aged 50 Years is held within a bespoke crystal decanter, made in Scotland by Glasstorm. Each decanter is presented in a presentation box made by master craftsman John Galvin, its design inspired by the colorful array of eclectic casks which fill Benriach’s warehouses, where the expression has been nurtured for the last half a century.

This exceptionally rare single malt will hit very select outlets with a recommended price of $25,000.