Distillery key information

Location	Speyside, Scotland, UK
Established	1898
Owner	Brown-Forman
Number of Stills	2 wash, 2 spirit
Visitor Centre	Yes
Status	Active
Website	https://benriach.com

About BenRiach Distillery

Located in Speyside, Scotland, near Longmorn, BenRiach Distillery is a renowned producer of single malt Scotch whisky. Founded in 1898 by John Duff, the distillery has a rich history and is celebrated for its diverse portfolio of whiskies. In June 2016, American spirits company Brown-Forman acquired The BenRiach Distillery Company, which includes BenRiach, GlenDronach and Glenglassaugh, for £285 million. Master Blender Rachel Barrie, a prominent figure in the whisky industry, oversees the distillery’s production, ensuring a blend of tradition and innovation.

BenRiach’s annual production capacity is approximately 2.8 million litres of pure alcohol, dedicated exclusively to single malt whiskies. The distillery produces three distinct styles: classic unpeated Speyside expressions, Highland-style peated malts and triple-distilled whiskies.

Its cask maturation programme utilises a variety of casks, including bourbon, sherry, virgin oak, port and Madeira, contributing to the complexity of its whiskies. BenRiach employs traditional methods, such as floor maltings (reopened in 2013) and long fermentation periods, to enhance flavour profiles.

Brand reputation and market presence

BenRiach is recognised as a distinguished Speyside distillery, valued for its innovative approach to whisky production. Its history includes periods of closure, operating briefly between 1898 and 1900 before closing until 1965, when production resumed under new ownership of The Glenlivet Distillery Ltd. A significant revival occurred in 2004 when Billy Walker and partners acquired the distillery, reintroducing its single malts to a global audience. In 2015, BenRiach was named Global Whisky Distillery of the Year at the World Whiskies Awards, highlighting its quality and creativity.

The distillery’s portfolio includes core expressions like The Original Ten, Smoky Ten, The Twelve and Smoky Twelve, as well as premium releases such as The Twenty One, Twenty Five and The Forty. The 30-year-old expression and The Forty (43.5% ABV, retail price ~£3,200) and The Forty Octave Cask Matured (51.5% ABV, retail price ~£3,800, limited to 375 bottles globally) are highly regarded for their rich profiles, featuring notes of orchard fruits, honey, peat and oak. Limited-edition bottlings, such as The Forty Octave Cask Matured, are sought after by collectors due to their rarity. BenRiach’s peated expressions, like Smoke Season and triple-distilled whiskies set it apart from competitors like Glenfiddich, which primarily produces unpeated Speyside styles.

Investment potential

BenRiach offers opportunities for investors interested in the premium whisky market. Its casks are more accessible than those of ultra-premium distilleries like Macallan, which can exceed £50,000. The distillery’s limited-edition releases, such as single cask bottlings (e.g. a 2012 release of 286 bottles) contribute to its collectability. BenRiach casks delivered an average annualised rate of return of 9.24% for those VCL clients who sold their casks between the 2020 and 2025 period.

Brown-Forman’s financial stability enhances BenRiach’s investment outlook. In fiscal 2024, the company reported net sales of approximately $4.2 billion, driven by growth in premium spirits, including its whisky portfolio. BenRiach’s focus on high-margin limited releases, such as Malting Season, using floor-malted barley) and Smoke Season (peated), supports its profitability. Investment in whisky carries risks, including market volatility and competition from emerging whisky regions like Japan and India. However, BenRiach’s diverse portfolio and Brown-Forman’s global reach help mitigate these challenges.

Investment summary

BenRiach Distillery combines heritage and innovation, making it a notable player in the Speyside single malt market. Its award-winning whiskies, diverse cask maturation programme and limited-edition releases appeal to enthusiasts and investors. The distillery benefits from Brown-Forman’s $4.2 billion net sales in 2024 and robust distribution network, supporting its growth in North America and Asia. BenRiach’s quality and collectability position it as an attractive option for investors seeking exposure to the premium whisky sector.