Sukhinder Singh and Thierry Bénitah mark 30-year friendship
To celebrate 30 years of friendship, Sukhinder Singh of Elixir Distillers and Thierry Bénitah of La Maison du Whisky have launched a 30-year-old Imperial single malt.
Bottled by Elixir Distillers, the 30 Years Of Friendship limited edition was distilled on 22 August 1994 at the Imperial Distillery in Speyside, which closed in 1998.
The whisky was aged for 30 years in two refill Sherry barrels and was bottled on 16 April 2025, at 41.1% ABV. The single malt features notes of vanilla, menthol, elderflower, and white melon on the palate.
Available exclusively in France from October, the release is limited to 150 bottles, with a recommended retail price of €990 (US$1,150).
The whisky will also be available for sampling at Whisky Live Paris from 27-29 September. Singh and Bénitah will host a special tasting on Sunday during the event.
Friendship of two whisky icons
Both Singh and Bénitah have a long history of making waves in the whisky industry.
Singh commented on the release: “This bottling signifies our similar journeys that led to a special bond – encompassing respect and honesty.”
Singh’s parents founded their liquor store in 1972, inspiring him and his brother Rajbir to establish The Whisky Exchange in London in 1999. The company became a pioneering whisky shop among the first to recognise the potential of online retail.
Bénitah, like his father before him, manages French company La Maison du Whisky, which since 1956 has been dedicated to spotlighting and distributing rare and international whiskies.
In the early years of the industry, Singh and Bénitah learned from each other, exchanging knowledge and resources that were essential to nurturing their passion. Both recognise the importance of friendship within the industry.
Bénitah added: “This bottling celebrates 30 years of a sincere and shared passion for whisky – a strong bond that remains intact like the very first day.”
Earlier this year, Elixir Distillers unveiled three ‘teaser’ single malt releases from the Tormore Distillery in anticipation of the brand’s relaunch in 2026.
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