BENRIACH 1994 'SHADES OF SMOKE' 31 YEAR
SINGLE MALT SCOTCH WHISKY
SPEYSIDE, SCOTLAND
Cask-hounds, this one's for you.
BenRiach has one of Scotland's most multifaceted cask collections, and they've drawn deep from their reserves for this one.
This rare 31 Year single malt (just 500 bottles in the entire U.S.) underwent not one, not two, not three, not four, but — count 'em — FIVE cask maturations (bourbon, Pedro Ximénez Sherry, Oloroso Sherry, Marsala Wine, and Virgin Oak).
That legendary Speyside peat — it's still there, for sure, but so refined and softened that it speaks now with a low and sultry whisper.
Then again, everything about this gorgeous single malt has a deft and subtle mastery.
On the nose, amid the spray of lemon and ginger, a sly note of powdery charcoal lurks. There’s smoke, too, on the palate, but a kind of honeyed smoke, sweet and mellow, and just behind it, as you move toward the finish, a hint of charred mandarin. The finish is pure Speyside, all diffused embers and sneaky salinity, with a touch of yuzu that brings a dash of brightness and light.
In short, an absolute masterwork of a whisky, and from a distiller that lately has been hitting ALL the high notes.
It earned a whopping three Platinum medals — for its 21 Year, 25 Year, and 30 Year — at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition, affectionately called "the Oscars of booze,” in 2024 — this, amid a talent pool that included nearly 1,300 entrants from around the world.
A major achievement for any distiller, but for a venerable old-guard institution like this one, headed toward its 125th year, a stunning show of vigor … and a reminder that some things just get better and better with age.
Master Blender Rachel Barrie has overseen the BenRiach renaissance with extraordinary skill and aplomb, and for our money, Shades of Smoke stands as her finest achievement yet.
I would be remiss if I didn't say a word about the clever bottle design, from the artist Stefano Contiero, which turns the experience of drinking it (swirling, smoky, heady) into an elegant and captivating image.
If you want to ennoble your bar cart and give yourself something to talk about, and revel in, for months to come with your friends, then this here’s your bottle, folks. Our allocation is unfortunately not large, however, so you’ll want to hop on this STAT.
*Offer NOT valid in-store. This offer is made pre-arrival, with wines estimated to be delivered to your preferred store in Fall 2026. All sale prices are the lowest available at Total Wine & More and ONLY valid through Concierge Sales. No further discounts or coupons may be applied. The price reflected on your order form is subject to change after the order is placed in the event of a change in tariffs or taxes that are imposed by the U.S. government, or in the case of currency fluctuations of 10% or greater. Offer not valid in KS, MI, NC, NY, TN, VA, & WA. This offer will expire on Wednesday, April 29, 2026.