Benromach Distillery, Speyside

In 1983, Benromach was closed by its then-owners, United Distillers. In 1993, Gordon & MacPhail, the Elgin-based whisky merchants and bottlers, acquired the distillery and completely renovated its facilities. It is one of only two mainland Scotch whisky distilleries that use peated malt for virtually all their production, albeit most is produced with around 10-12ppm phenol in the malt. For two weeks per year, heavily peated spirit is also produced.

As well as a core range of 10, 15, and 21-year-old whiskies, the distillery has started an annual release of 40-year-old malt. Benromach also specializes in wine finishes for some of its spirits, with Hermitage and Sassicaia finishes in the range. The style of the whiskies is initially smoky, with wet grass, butter, and ginger notes. Citrus, dried fruit, and soft wood smoke dominate the palate.

(Adapted from the Malt Whisky Yearbook 2024)