BenRiach launches 30-year-old peated whisky

Speyside distillery BenRiach has released the oldest whisky in its peated line – a “rare” 30-year-old expression called Authenticus.

BenRiach’s latest release is a 30-year-old peated single malt

The whisky is described as a “rare opportunity to experience a peated Speyside single malt dating back to the 1980s”.

BenRiach began distilling a proportion of its whisky using peated malted barley in the 1970s, and is thought to have been the first Speyside distillery to release a peated expression since the World War Two.

The smoky offering – BenRiach Curiositas 10 Years Old – was released in 2004, and remains part of the core BenRiach peated range.

Benriach, which was acquired by US drinks group Brown-Forman in 2016, sources its peat from the north-east of Scotland.

“As the oldest expression in our peated range, we believe Authenticus 30 years old will impress with its distinguished profile,” said Rachel Barrie, who moved from Morrison Bowmore Distillers to join the BenRiach Distillery Company – which comprises the GlenDronach, Glenglassaugh and BenRiach distilleries – in February this year.

“It is a more intense Speyside malt which carries a delightful balance of wild honey and peat on the nose.

“The combination of the soft, creamy vanilla, summer fruits and slight hint of cocoa coax the palate, while the infused sweet peat builds gradually to complete the unique character.”

BenRiach Authenticus is non-chill-filtered and has been bottled at 46%.