Introduction
I wasn’t sure what to expect from Benriach’s 31 Year Old, partly because it didn't come across as a showy release. But that’s exactly what drew me to it. I’ve always found this Speyside distillery interesting – they've quietly built a reputation for mastering both unpeated and peated whisky, and their cask selection is often thoughtful. A statement age like 31 years, combined with peated spirit and multiple cask types, made this one feel promising – not flashy, but hopefully layered and patient.
Nose
The aroma developed slowly in the glass. Initially, I got a dry, earthy smoke – not sharp, but smouldering and deep, like a long-dead hearth. Underneath that was a mellow richness: dates, fig paste, old leather and a touch of cocoa powder. There’s a wood resin quality on the exhale that hints at American oak, and possibly some European oak too for the spice. With time, more complexity emerged – dusty spice racks, and even a trace of mint. Nothing jumped out too strongly, and I enjoyed how calm and composed it was after three decades in cask.
Palate
There’s no denying the age when it hits the tongue. The texture is velvety, almost oily, but never heavy. The first sip brought forward baked orchard fruits – apple compote, poached pears – with warming peat rolling in behind. The smoke is integrated rather than dominant, adding depth and dryness to the fruit. Hints of Brazil nuts, dark toffee, and old sherry lingered in the mid-palate. There's a faint salt note too, surprising for a Speyside malt. As it opened up further, I picked out dried orange peel and pipe tobacco.
Finish
The finish is long but not showy. Old oak tannins dry things down gently, and the smoke hangs around delicately, like the trace of cigar in a well-ventilated room. I appreciated that it ended quietly – giving space for subtle bitterness, polished leather, and a wisp of cocoa. No burn, no harsh edges. It just slowly disappeared, leaving a graceful impression.
Price and Value
As you'd expect from a 31-year-old single malt – especially one with peat and a complex cask profile – the cost is significant. While I can’t call it affordable, I found the experience worthwhile, particularly if you're someone who values nuance over intensity. It doesn’t cater to those looking for a smoke bomb or a big sherry hit. It’s for moments where thoughtfulness in a dram matters. I wouldn’t say it’s “value” in a traditional sense, but I didn’t walk away with any regrets.
Background
Benriach is based in Speyside, but they’ve long played with a variety of production styles, including peated malt – a rarity in the region. What sets this expression apart is its use of several cask types – bourbon barrels, Pedro Ximénez and oloroso sherry casks, as well as some charred American virgin oak. Each brings its own contribution, and the final mix is carefully weighted. You can read more about the distillery’s approach on the Benriach Distillery site.
Matured for over three decades, this release fits within the brand’s "Aged and Rare" selection, positioned as a counterpart to their more widely available 21 and 25 year olds. What stands out here is how gracefully the peat has settled into the spirit – softened by time, yet still noticeable in structure and dryness.
Final Notes
Would I buy this again? Probably not on a whim, but if I were marking an occasion or wanted something contemplative and assured – then yes, absolutely.
For someone new to peated whisky, this probably isn’t the place to start. The subtleties could be lost without a frame of reference. But for someone already familiar with Islay or Highland peat, this Speyside version offers a very different, refined take on the style.
I found this whisky best suited to quiet evenings, enjoyed slowly with time to revisit the glass. It doesn't perform for an audience – it rewards attention. Compared to other Speyside expressions of similar age, it’s drier, smokier, and more restrained, which might surprise those used to sherry-rich styles.