Benrinnes

Introduction:

Benrinnes Distillery has only released one official bottling, namely the 15-year-old Flora and Fauna edition. This scarcity makes it challenging to pinpoint the exact distillery character, but it is generally recognized as a lighter Speyside Whisky. However, the distillation process at Benrinnes changed in 2007, further complicating the characterization. Independent bottlings of Benrinnes are relatively abundant, with most displaying a light and floral profile, though some exceptions offer spicier and hotter expressions.

Production:

Following the production change, Benrinnes Distillery now produces approximately 2.5 million liters per year, a significant increase from the previous output of around 1.9 million liters. Previously, Benrinnes employed a unique and complex triple distillation process, but in 2007, the distillery transitioned to a double distillation method while retaining its four spirit stills. The water used in the production of Scotch comes from the Rowan Tree Burn, Scurran Burn, and Benrinnes Spring.

Pot Stills:

In the past, Benrinnes had two wash stills (approximately 21,000 liters), two intermediate stills (around 5,000 liters), and two spirit stills (about 7,000 liters). Presently, the small intermediate stills are used as spirit stills. All the stills feature a distinctive pear shape with minimal reflux in the neck, and the lyne arm descends after the bend, resulting in even less reflux. The condenser employs worm tubs. Notably, Benrinnes stands out with its wash still, which is more than twice the size of the spirit stills.

Malting:

Initially, Benrinnes was a farming distillery, but in 1955, the malting floors were replaced by a Saladin box. Consequently, farming activities ceased. In 1984, the Saladin box was decommissioned, and malt was thereafter sourced from the United Distillers maltings.

Warehouse:

Benrinnes’ warehouses differ from the flat designs commonly seen in other distilleries. These sturdy stone brick buildings facilitate a slow maturation process, contributing to the creation of exceptional Scotch.

History:

Built by Peter Mackenzie in 1826 at the foot of Ben Rinnes hill, the distillery faced a setback three years later when it was destroyed by a flood. However, it was rebuilt by John Innes and renamed Lyne of Ruthrie. Following bankruptcy, the distillery was purchased by William Smith, who restored its original name, Benrinnes. In 1896, disaster struck again when the distillery burned down. Reconstruction took place in the 1950s under the ownership of John Dewar & Sons, who discontinued farming activities and closed the malting floors. In 2007, the triple distillation process ceased, and all small stills were repurposed as spirit stills. Presently, Benrinnes is owned by Diageo and primarily produces Whisky for the blend industry.

Visitor Center:

Benrinnes lacks a visitor center due to its industrial nature.

Visitor information:

Benrinnes Distillery
Aberlour
Moray
AB38 9NN
Tel: +44 (0)1340-871215