Chat with us on WhatsApp
Everything you need to know about Benrinnes Distillery
Most popular bottles from the distillery
-
Benrinnes G&M Connoisseurs Choice 1968 5cl£69.99 Inc VAT -
Benrinnes 11 Year Old Single Malt Whisky Managers Dram 2020£289.99 Inc VAT
A brief History
Benrinnes, Speyside Region, Scotland. Founded in 1826
Speyside’s Hidden Powerhouse
Nestled at the foot of Ben Rinnes hill, between Aberlour and the heart of Speyside, Benrinnes Distillery is one of the region’s more mysterious malt houses. Unlike many distilleries that promote dramatic visitor centres or flashy single malt lines, Benrinnes quietly churns out a large volume of spirit mostly destined for blends—but every now and then, a single malt slips through that gives you a peek at its character.
What makes Benrinnes notable is that until 2007 it used a partial triple distillation method, a rarity among Scotch whiskies. That technique lent its spirit extra weight, sulphur character, and a meaty robustness. But today, it’s been simplified to a more conventional two‑stage process, though many of the old traits still show in the flavor. If you like big, bold Speyside—something that can carry sherry, spice, or oak—you’ll want to watch for its rare solo releases.
Flavour Profile:
 |
 |
 |
| Spicy |
Rich / Chocolatey
|
Fruity |
Benrinnes is often described as “meaty with weight.” You’ll find dried fruit tones, deep wood spice, cedar and oak, with dark chocolate, cocoa undertones, perhaps a touch of leather or gamey character. Because of its heavier spirit style, it stands up well to bold casks (sherry, oloroso, PX) and can deliver surprising depth for a Speyside malt.
Top 4 Flavour Profile Ingredients
 |
Dried Fruits (raisins, figs) |
 |
Dark Chocolate / Cocoa |
 |
Vanilla |
 |
Oak / Wood Spice |
Key Bottlings & Releases
-
Benrinnes 15 Year Old (Flora & Fauna) – The most recognised official bottling.
-
Independent Single Casks – Bottlers occasionally release single cask expressions, sometimes rare and sought after.
-
Special Releases – Limited editions and archival bottles appear from time to time (older vintages, high age statements).
Because the bulk of Benrinnes's output goes into blended whisky (think Johnnie Walker, J&B), finding its single malt releases is akin to treasure hunting—but when you find one, it's a treat.
Join our whisky mad family
Learn more about Whisky as well as enjoying exclusive offers and product news
The Distillery
The Distiller: Benrinnes
Address: Benrinnes Distillery, Aberlour, Banffshire, AB38 9NN, United Kingdom
 Open in maps |
 |
 |
Visiting Benrinnes Distillery:
Visitor Centre & Tours
Benrinnes does not have a visitor centre for public tours. It’s more of an industrial, working facility than a tourist destination. If you're exploring Speyside, there are many other distilleries open to the public—Benrinnes is better known for its spirit than its sightseeing.
Ownership & History Highlights
-
1826: Founded by Peter Mackenzie, original site near Whitehouse Farm
-
1829: Destroyed by flood; later rebuilt under John Innes at a new site
-
1834: Bankrupt, sold to William Smith who renamed / rebranded it
-
1864 onward: Owned by David Edward, modernised later
-
1922: Acquired by John Dewar & Sons
-
1925: Became part of Distillers Company Ltd (DCL)
-
1955: Major refurbishment
-
1966: Stills increased from 3 to 6
-
1974: Introduction of partial triple distillation
-
1984: Ceased malt production on site
-
1991: First official single malt (15 Year Old) released
-
2007: Abandoned triple distillation; moved to two wash + four spirit stills
-
Today: Owned by Diageo, mostly supplying blends, with occasional single malt releases
Distillery Facts
Overview & History
-
Location: Speyside, near Aberlour, at the foot of Ben Rinnes mountain.
-
Founded in 1826 by Peter McKenzie, though it was rebuilt in 1835 after a flood.
-
Now owned by Diageo, and used primarily for blending purposes.
Production & Style
-
Historically used a unique partial triple distillation process, which added complexity and a slightly oily texture — this was phased out in the 2000s.
-
Produces a rich, meaty, and malty spirit, often associated with sherry cask maturation.
-
Not typically marketed as a single malt, but often found in independent bottlings.
Core Use
-
A key malt component in Diageo blends like Johnnie Walker and J&B Rare.
-
Occasionally released as a Flora & Fauna 15 Year Old, which is the most well-known official single malt bottling.
-
Very popular with independent bottlers (Gordon & MacPhail, Signatory, etc.) who highlight its complexity and sherry influence.
Flavour Profile
-
Nose: Stewed fruit, toffee, nuts, a touch of sulphur (in sherried expressions).
-
Palate: Full-bodied, waxy, slightly oily texture, with rich malt, dried fruits, and spice.
-
Finish: Long and warming, often with a savoury, earthy note.
Other Notes
-
A “hidden gem” among Speyside malts for those who enjoy bold, sherried whiskies.
-
Not part of Diageo’s main single malt line-up, so expressions are rare and sought-after.
-
Many aged independent bottlings exist, with 20+ year-old cask strength editions highly rated.
Benrinnes Whisky to Buy
Carefully Packed
& Protected
Every bottle is securely packed to ensure it arrives safely.
Free UK Delivery
Over £99
Secure delivery across the UK. Excludes Highlands & Islands.
Expert Whisky
Advice
Our whisky specialists are on hand to help you choose.
