The whisky industry reached its peak at the end of the 19th century, a time when it was thriving and rapidly expanding. However, as is often the case with overheated markets, this boom led to an inevitable bust. This is exactly what happened with John Duff’s enterprises, including Benriach and Longmorn distilleries. Despite the strategic advantage of having two neighboring distilleries that could share resources, Duff's timing was unfortunate. The Pattison whisky crash of 1899—a catastrophic financial collapse that severely impacted the entire Scotch whisky industry—forced Benriach to close just two years after it opened, in 1900.
Interestingly, where Duff did not succeed overseas, another entrepreneurial force from across the ocean eventually did. Brown-Forman Corporation, one of the largest American-owned spirits and wine companies, was founded in 1870 by George Garvin Brown in Louisville, Kentucky. The company initially produced Old Forester, the first bottled bourbon marketed for its medicinal qualities, at a time when whiskey was often sold in barrels and was vulnerable to tampering. Over the years, Brown-Forman grew substantially, adding well-known brands like Jack Daniel’s and Woodford Reserve to its portfolio. In 2016, Brown-Forman acquired Benriach, GlenDronach, and Glenglassaugh distilleries in Scotland, marking a significant expansion into the Scotch whisky market.
Today, Brown-Forman remains headquartered in Louisville, Kentucky, and is publicly traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol "BF-B," continuing to be a dominant player in the global spirits industry.
The distillery is open to visitors from Friday to Sunday, 10:30 AM to 5:00 PM, with various tasting experiences available, including detailed cask tastings and the opportunity to explore the distillery’s heritage.
To visit the distillery, it's essential to pre-book your tour online due to limited availability. The visitor experience includes a bar, a tasting lounge, and a retail space where you can purchase their whiskies.
For more details or to book a tour, you can visit their official website at Benriach Distillery
A Day-Long Road Trip Through Scotland's History, Whisky, and Coastal Beauty
Embark on a journey that weaves together Scotland’s rich history, world-renowned whisky heritage, and breathtaking coastal landscapes, all in a single, unforgettable day.
Morning: The Battle of Culloden Begin your day with a visit to the Culloden Battlefield, located near Inverness. This haunting site marks the end of the Jacobite Rising and, tragically, the last pitched battle fought on the British mainland.
Midday: Speyside and Its Legendary Distilleries From Culloden, drive south into the heart of Speyside, Scotland’s premier whisky-producing region. Speyside is home to some of the most famous distilleries in the world, where you can savor the true spirit of Scotland. Visit the Glenlivet Distillery, known for its smooth, floral whisky, and BenRiach, which prides itself on innovation and tradition. Of course, no whisky tour would be complete without a stop at Cardhu Distillery, the first distillery to be officially pioneered by a woman.
Afternoon: The Beauty of Cullen and the Northern Coast After indulging in Speyside’s finest, head northeast towards the coast to the charming village of Cullen. This area is not only known for its stunning seaside views but also for Cullen Skink, a traditional Scottish soup made with smoked haddock, potatoes, and onions. Enjoy a bowl of this hearty dish before exploring the nearby Findlater Castle ruins. Perched dramatically on a cliff edge overlooking the Moray Firth, these ruins offer a glimpse into Scotland’s medieval past and provide spectacular views of the surrounding coast.
Evening: Bow Fiddle Rock and the Moray Firth Conclude your day with a visit to Bow Fiddle Rock, a natural sea arch that resembles the tip of a fiddle bow, located near the village of Portknockie. This iconic rock formation is a favorite among photographers and nature lovers, especially during sunset, when the play of light on the rock and the surrounding sea creates a magical atmosphere.
This day trip not only immerses you in the rich history and culture of Scotland but also showcases the stunning natural beauty that defines this land. From the tragic end of the Highland clans at Culloden to the serene beauty of Bow Fiddle Rock, this journey is a perfect blend of history, whisky, and coastal wonder.
