Benromach Distillery Launches Limited-Edition 50 Years Old Single Malt Whisky

Benromach Distillery in Forres, Scotland, has launched a rare 50 Years Old single malt nurtured by master craftsmen over the past five decades. 

With an ABV of 54.6%, the whisky presents notes of lemon and subtle smoke on the nose. Stewed fruit aromas are complemented by orange zest and a hint of aged leather on the palate, before the liquid’s long, full finish ends with cracked pepper and that wisp of smoke. 

The whisky is presented in unique handcrafted glass decanters created by Ross-shire-based Glasstorm, one of the UK’s most established hot glass studios. 

Benromach’s handmade ethos and dedication to traditional methods has been echoed by Glasstorm who used a highly skilled ‘battuto’ technique to finish the decanters. This technique is only practiced by master glassmakers and sees the glass sculpted by hand, making each bottle a unique work of art.  

Only 248 decanters of this single cask release are available worldwide, retailing at £20,000.

Keith Cruickshank, Distillery Manager at Benromach, said: “I’m proud to be distillery manager at a time when we release this exquisite single malt, the epitome of our dedication to create exceptional whiskies by hand.  

“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.” 

Brodie Nairn, Glasstorm owner, comments: “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.”   

For more information on Benromach Distillery or Benromach 50 Years Old, please visit:Benromach Distillery Website

Tasting Notes: Benromach 50 Years Old 

• RRP:£20,000
• ABV: 54.6% 
• 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.