It’s safe to say Benromach’s revival has been a pretty big success, with its whiskies garnering widespread acclaim among Scotch enthusiasts and collectors. Renowned for its subtly smoked Speyside peat character, Benromach was originally built in 1898 but given a new lease on life in 1993 by famed independent bottlers and maturation experts Gordon & MacPhail. This move into distillation marked a significant step for G&M, and is all the more profound for the company in the modern whisky market, as it allows them to control their destiny and secure a steady supply of high-quality whisky.

Benromach has just unveiled its latest masterpiece: a 50 Years Old single malt whisky, bottled at 54.6% ABV. The nose promises a delicate dance of lemon and subtle smoke, while the palate unfolds with aromas of stewed fruit, complemented by orange zest and a hint of aged leather. The finish is described as long and full, culminating in a whisper of smoke and a touch of cracked pepper.

“Each element of Benromach 50 Years Old has been crafted by hand using traditional techniques. This includes the decanter, which not only mirrors the spirit in terms of quality but also embodies the passion and meticulous attention to detail that has gone into crafting it.
It is truly a memorable experience for the team to be able to release this very special whisky; a single malt that has been made by hand and shaped by time.”

– Keith Cruickshank, Distillery Manager at Benromach

This rare whisky is presented in handcrafted glass decanters, each one a unique work of art. Created by Glasstorm, a renowned glass studio in Ross-shire, the decanters showcase the 'battuto' technique, which involves using a specialized hammer and chisel to carve intricate patterns into the glass while it's still hot.

There are only 248 decanters available worldwide, each priced at £20,000 (S$31,500.00 in Singapore).

If you're based in Singapore, you may reserve a set for yourself with Gordon & MacPhail's official partner, La Maison du Whisky. 

“There is great synergy between the craftsmanship of glass blowing and whisky making. It takes years to harness the skills, passing down from master to apprentice. I first learned the battuto technique from a master glassblower over in Italy 25 years ago and in turn I’ve trained my team. It has taken me a long time to find a project special enough to use it on but, at last, I found the perfect one.”

– Brodie Nairn, Glasstorm owner

Official Tasting Notes

Nose

Smooth citrus peel with hints of strawberry and a touch of smoke. Pineapple notes come to the fore, alongside fruitcake and a dash of lemon sherbet.

Taste

Stewed fruit aromas are complemented by orange zest and a hint of aged leather. Medjool dates and flambeed banana give way to toasted almonds.

Finish

Full and long finish with cracked black pepper and a wisp of smoke.

Stephen Rankin on the Future of Benromach and Gordon & MacPhail

To get a deeper understanding of the significance of this release, and what Benromach represents for Gordon & MacPhail's legacy and future, 88 Bamboo recently had the privilege of sitting down with Stephen Rankin, G&M's Director of Prestige and a member of the 4th generation of the family running G&M.

In this exclusive interview, we delve into the history of Benromach, its role in shaping G&M's trajectory, and the vision they hold for this beloved distillery.

So stay tuned for this interview in the coming weeks for insights into the passion, dedication, and family values that drive G&M, and the enduring spirit of Benromach!

Kanpai!

88 Bamboo Editorial Team