TWO decades after family-owned Benromach Distillery was reopened by His Royal Highness The Duke of Rothesay, a rare single malt whisky has been released to mark the occasion.
Benromach Cask No 1 is described as a rare and limited-edition expression taken from the first cask that was laid down when the distillery reopened after many years of closure.
The cask itself was signed by HRH the Duke of Rothesay, Prince Charles, during the distillery’s reopening ceremony in 1998.
Marking a defining moment in the distillery’s history, all profits from the sale of Benromach Cask No 1 will be donated to charitable causes.
The whisky, which was bottled this month, is a cask strength (60.1% abv) 1998 vintage.
All 575 bottles of this incredibly rare expression will be sold through Benromach Distillery’s Visitor Centre at a cost of £1,000.
Originally built in 1898, Benromach Distillery was brought back to life when the Urquhart family purchased it in 1993.
The distillery was extensively re-equipped over five years before it was officially opened by HRH the Duke of Rothesay.
Ewen Mackintosh, managing director at Gordon & MacPhail, owners of Benromach Distillery, said: “As we celebrate the 20th anniversary since Benromach was brought back to life, it is fitting that the Urquhart family has decided to donate all the profits from the sale of this product to charitable causes.
"This incredibly rare expression marks a significant moment in Benromach’s history and we look forward to seeing what the next 20 years will bring.”
Keith Cruickshank, Benromach distillery manager, joined as a distiller in 1998, and he said: “I was proud to witness HRH The Duke of Rothesay sign the first cask of our own distilled spirit 20 years ago.
"This unique single cask offers whisky lovers the chance to own, savour and share an incredibly special moment in the history of the Benromach Distillery."
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