Twenty years after the family owned distillery was reopened by His Royal Highness The Duke of Rothesay, the extremely rare Benromach Cask No 1, a limited edition expression taken from the first cask that was laid down when the distillery reopened after many years of closure, is set to go on sale exclusively through the Benromach Distillery’s Visitor Centre with a RRP of £1,000.
The cask itself was signed by Prince Charles during the distillery’s official reopening ceremony on 15th October 1998.
The whisky, which was bottled on the 21st August 2018 exactly 20 years after it was filled, is a cask strength (60.1% abv) 1998 vintage.
Pre-orders for all 575 bottles of this incredibly rare expression can be placed from the 3rd September with decanters available from 15th October 2018.
Benromach Cask No 1 was matured in a First Fill Sherry Butt and is described as having a "sumptuous vintage character of rich fruits, smooth chocolate and warm spices, with hints of zingy citrus, coffee bean and charred oak".
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Originally built in 1898, Benromach Distillery was brought back to life when the Urquhart family purchased it in 1993. The distillery was extensively re-equipped over five years before it was officially opened on 15th October 1998 by HRH The Duke of Rothesay.
Ewen Mackintosh, managing director at Gordon & MacPhail, owners of Benromach Distillery, said: “As we celebrate the 20th anniversary since Benromach was brought back to life, it is fitting that the Urquhart family has decided to donate all the profits from the sale of this product to charitable causes. This incredibly rare expression marks a significant moment in Benromach’s history and we look forward to seeing what the next 20 years will bring.”
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All 575 decanters are individually numbered and accompanied by a certificate of authenticity signed by Keith Cruickshank.
Keith Cruickshank, Benromach distillery manager, joined as a distiller in 1998. He said: “I was proud to witness HRH The Duke of Rothesay sign the first cask of our own distilled spirit 20 years ago. This unique single cask offers whisky lovers the chance to own, savour and share an incredibly special moment in the history of the Benromach Distillery.
“Benromach Cask No 1 is a treasured bottle and is the oldest and most exclusive whisky to be launched as part of the Classic range since the distillery was revived. Part of our Classic range of Speyside single malt scotch whiskies, it offers succulent blackberries and stewed damson plum with a hint of roasted hazelnut and charred oak on the finish.”
