Speyside, Scotland – December 2025 Speyside single malt Scotch Whisky Benriach has announced a new 31 Year Old limited edition expression in partnership with Stefano Contiero.
Reflecting the brand’s commitment to artistry, the expression is a rare, smoky vintage from 1994 paired with evocative artwork which celebrates the elegant side of Benriach’s smoky profile after 31 years of maturation.
The original commissioned artwork is a moving interpretation of the swirling complexity and richness of the whisky. Drawing inspiration from tasting, the artwork was generated digitally by Stefano, forming airy cloud colours which emerge like smoke. The artwork was then captured at different moments to create multiple versions of the packaging, adding bespoke collectability to each expression on shelf.
Born from the creative mind of Master Blender Rachel Barrie, the exceptional liquid inside each bottle has been crafted from casks of Benriach laid down in the spring and summer of 1994 – the very same year the distillery broke from Speyside convention and increased production of a sweeter style of smoky spirit.
Benriach Master Blender, Rachel Barrie, said:
“Stefano’s visual artistry beautifully compliments the ethereal nature of this remarkable Benriach vintage. After 31 years of maturation, the expression offers a moment of elegant indulgence on the palate, where gentle juniper smoke circles softly kiss layers of luscious fruit. Imagine indulging in chocolate clouds spiked with hibiscus and spiced orange caramel—all enveloped in the gentle, sophisticated whisper of Speyside smoke. ”
Artist Stefano Contiero said:
“Tasting alongside Rachel was instrumental in unlocking a deeper understanding of the whisky’s composition and the playful energy behind its creation. It gave me insight into the craftsmanship and layering of flavours, which I sought to reinterpret in my generative algorithm, allowing forms and colours to emerge organically, much like how the whiskey’s notes unfold over time.”
The expression will launch in the UK, Germany, France, Belgium, Switzerland, Poland, Singapore, Australia, USA and global travel retail in the coming months.
Benriach Shades of Smoke Product Information
Taste Experience: A yuzu fusion boldly carries forest honey and juniper smoke circles.
Chocolate clouds spiked with hibiscus and spiced orange caramel. A chorus of smoked wild
honey and charred mandarin tickles the tongue, while whirls of lemon ginger fuse with lush
peach and wintergreen.
Vintage: 1994
Age: 31 Years Old
ABV: 48.1%
UK RRP: £700
The expression will be available at The Whisky Shop from 2026. Pre-orders available now.
About Stefano Contiero:
Stefano Contiero is an Italian-Dominican self-taught artist born in Bassano del Grappa. During childhood, he developed a strong interest in technology and design, which first led to a career in tech, and later into generative art. He explores self-reflection and expression through a continuous feedback loop between his subconscious and technology. His works include Frammenti (Art Blocks Curated Series 3) and Rinascita (Art Blocks Playground).
About Benriach:
A Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whisky as intriguing and multilayered as Benriach could not
have come to be without a unique whisky making heritage, dating from 1898. Our long-standing tradition of creating some of the most vibrant and multi-layered whiskies in Speyside continues today under the guidance of Master Blender, Rachel Barrie. Benriach is an innovative Speyside Single Malt curated from one of Scotland’s most multifaceted cask Collections.