It was always the ambition of John Urquhart and subsequent generations of the Urquhart family that one day Gordon & MacPhail would own and manage a distillery of its own. This dream became a reality in 1993 when the company purchased Benromach Distillery in Forres. At the time the distillery was virtually derelict, all the fixtures and fittings had been ripped out and sold by the previous owners. Drawing upon generations of expertise in the whisky industry, Benromach was carefully and painstakingly re-equipped ready to recommence operation before it was officially reopened by HRH Prince Charles in 1998. Just two experienced distillers create Benromach using the finest Scottish barley and the purest spring water from the nearby Romach Hills. They personally ensure that only the highest quality spirit is filled into sturdy oak casks before being left to mature at Benromach Distillery for many years.

The first annual batch release of Benromach aged 40 years sees the distillery produce a whisky that has been matured in first fill Oloroso Sherry casks for no less than 4 decades. They’ve also went and bottled this one at 57.1% alcohol by volume with only 1047 bottles produced for worldwide consumption. When this one is gone, it’s gone but will be remembered forever.

Tasting Notes

Nose: Rich ginger quality, accompanied by notes of stewed orchard fruits

Palate: Hints of Seville orange, red apple, and brown sugar

Finish: Full to the rafters with citrus zest, charred oak, and a spicy zing.