The New 50-Year-Old Scotch Whisky Release: A Collector’s Dream from Benriach

Benriach, the renowned Speyside distillery, has unveiled its most exclusive release yet – a 50-year-old single malt Scotch whisky from a 1966 cask. Limited to just 37 bottles and priced at $25,000 each, this release is a testament to the distillery’s rich heritage and masterful craftsmanship, promising to enchant collectors worldwide.

The whisky industry continues its tradition of premium, limited-edition releases with an extraordinary offering from Benriach, a Speyside-based distillery. This remarkable 50-year-old single malt Scotch whisky, distilled in 1966, is the distillery’s oldest and most exclusive expression to date. With only 37 bottles available, each priced at $25,000, this release is a significant milestone for Benriach, showcasing their dedication to quality and tradition.

Dr. Rachel Barrie, Benriach’s master blender since 2017, proudly introduces this opulent treasure. “I am proud to present the Benriach 1966 Cask Aged 50 Years as our ultimate treasure. Here we have fifty years of opulent refinement, with notes of sublime honeyed dates and delicate oak spices, all in harmony with the lingering finesse of apple, pear, and traces of grapefruit,” she explains.

This release celebrates Benriach’s heritage and the growing interest in small-batch, special edition whiskies. Founded in 1898, Benriach faced early challenges but revived its production in 1965. The first single malt was released in 1994, and in 2016, the distillery joined the Brown-Forman portfolio, marking a new era of growth and innovation.

Dr. Barrie emphasizes the whisky’s exceptional character and provenance. “I don’t think I’ve tasted a whisky that had such beauty. The perfect whisky has to have character, balance, complexity. When I dipped my nose in this particular cask, I was really surprised. It was such a wonderful expression, undoubtedly the fruit-laden signature of Speyside. Just from experience, I decided not to leave it. I didn’t want to risk losing it.”

The whisky has aged gracefully in warehouse 13, surrounded by a variety of cask types. First filled with unpeated Benriach spirit on September 21, 1966, Bourbon cask 2383 has matured over decades, becoming what Dr. Barrie describes as “our art – a testament to the expertise in, and commitment to, extraordinary cask maturation at Benriach Distillery.” The whisky is characterized by a rich, honeyed fruit profile, enhanced by delicate oak spices.

Each bottle is presented in a bespoke crystal decanter crafted by Glasstorm, housed in a presentation box designed by master craftsman John Galvin. This luxurious packaging reflects the vibrant array of casks in Benriach’s warehouses, adding to the whisky’s allure.

Joe Wilson of Whisky Auctioneer, a global broker of rare and collectible whiskies, highlights the significance of the 50-year mark. “The ability to leverage yourself into the luxury category is attractive for any distillery, and there is something about that number 50. It has a psychological impact.” Wilson predicts that the limited availability and age statement will make this release highly sought after by collectors.

Under Brown-Forman’s ownership, Benriach has a stable foundation to continue producing exceptional whiskies for future generations. Dr. Barrie, reflecting on her initial work at the distillery, notes, “I decided to dive into old and rare stock, to work out what we’ve got lying around. After all, we are custodians of the whisky. Like anyone making a work of art, I want to release it at its optimum, for it to be the most beautiful expression of what could be created.”

With this 50-year-old release, Benriach solidifies its position in the luxury whisky market, offering collectors a piece of its storied history and unparalleled craftsmanship.