As for the decanters, the whisky is captured in individually numbered and handmade decanter crafted by Ross-shire-based Glasstorm and etched with exquisite Italian battuto-style detailing. Battuto is a skill of master glassmakers, one like Brodie Nairn at Glassstorm, who can painstakingly create countless small and irregular marks on the glass surface.
Rankin shared two additional details of the release. First, only 100 decanters from the 248 will be released in the first year, with Singapore being one of the key markets. Second, the pricing will be consistent in all markets. “With our partners, we are making sure that it is equivalent to that price in all markets,” he stated. The release price is set at S$31,500 (US$24,123).
THE CUSTODIANS
Despite being one of the lesser-known distilleries, Benromach’s old-school craftsmanship has earned a loyal following. Part of the charm lies in its curious past and style — a combination of classic Speyside with a dash of smoke.
Rankin, who is among an elite coterie of Master of the Quaich, the highest honour of the whisky industry, recounted the shared histories of Benromach and Gordon & Macphail in his endearing Scottish style.
Established at the turn of the 19th century, Benromach’s production was interrupted by two wars and resumed only to change ownership multiple times till it was shuttered in 1983.
Through the turmoil, the old casks quietly aged in the dunnage warehouses. Gordon & Macphail finally resurrected the mothballed and almost-ghost distillery in 1993 with new stills, mash tun and equipment, and since then, the distillery has flourished.
