Benbecula Distillery is proud to announce that Wheelhouse Whisky – Prophecy has been awarded Best Dram at the Manchester Whisky Festival 2025.
This recognition is especially meaningful for our team, as Prophecy represents a preview of Benbecula’s future whisky character. Crafted through our bottling company, MacMillan Spirits, Prophecy embodies The Spirit of the Hebrides using island-inspired influence and the expertise guiding our new distillery. Curated by our Master Distiller, Brendan McCarron, this single malt is a marriage of two parcels from another island distillery: one heavily peated and one unpeated, put together to capture the profile we are crafting at Benbecula: softly to medium peat, with a smoky, floral, and salty character.
At the Manchester Whisky Festival, Prophecy resonated deeply with attendees, standing out for its balance of smoke, maritime character, and layered sweetness. For many who tasted it, Prophecy captured the sense of place that defines our home here on Benbecula. It was also a success the week before in The Hague, at the International Whisky Festival. The Dutch whisky community gave similar praise for this distinctive, balanced dram, giving us further encouragement to explore the global markets as we get closer to our first Benbecula release.
Prophecy is the fourth release in our Wheelhouse Whisky series and reflects the style of whisky we will produce at Benbecula Distillery once our spirit is matured and ready in the years ahead. To see this flavour profile recognised at such an established festival is both humbling and energising as we continue our journey.
We extend our sincere thanks to everyone who visited our stand, shared a dram with us, and supported our work. Milestones like this affirm why we do what we do, and make us even more excited for our inaugural release.
Prophecy is currently available online and in our distillery shop.
https://benbeculadistillery.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/2.png13501080Benbecula Distilleryhttps://benbeculadistillery.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Benbecula_logo_image_padding_V4-white-300x221.pngBenbecula Distillery2025-12-15 14:20:162025-12-15 14:22:27Prophecy Wins Best Dram at the Manchester Whisky Festival
Benbecula Distillery Founder Angus MacMillan with Maven Capital Partners Investment Manager Rob Stevenson
We’re excited to share some big news from Benbecula: we’ve secured a £1.5 million investment from the British Business Bank’s Investment Fund for Scotland (IFS), delivered via Maven Capital Partners.
This marks the fund’s first equity investment in the Highlands & Islands, and for us, it’s a milestone that will help shape the next chapter of our journey.
What this means for Benbecula
This support will allow us to:
Scale up whisky production and maturation
Create new skilled jobs on the island
Enhance the visitor centre and experiences
It’s an investment not just in whisky, but in our community and our place in the Hebrides. We are grateful to the BBB and Maven Capital Partners for supporting us in our whisky craft and mission.
“Securing this investment is a major milestone for us and for the island. It gives us the ability to scale production with confidence, continue creating skilled jobs locally, and develop visitor experiences that bring people closer to our story,” says Founder, Angus MacMillan,
“Most importantly, it allows us to keep laying down spirit for future generations. Benbecula Distillery was founded to celebrate the Outer Hebrides’ people and place and this backing helps us realise that vision.”
Angus MacMillan, Rob Stevenson, and MD Hector MacLeod
Collaborating with Maven Capital Partners and the British Business Bank was an enjoyable process and we are grateful to have dedicated teams who believe in and support our mission here at Benbecula Distillery, not just for the benefits of our business, but for the positive impact on our local community.
Sarah Newbould, Senior Investment Manager at Nations & Regions Investment Funds, the British Business Bank, said
“The Investment Fund for Scotland was created to fund ambitious businesses across the country, and Benbecula Distillery is the perfect example of the kind of bold, community-rooted venture we’re proud to see the fund support.
This investment will not only fuel the development of a distinctive whisky brand but also drive job creation and economic growth in the Outer Hebrides, inviting locals and visitors from further afield to visit the Isles and try some of Scotland’s best spirit. The distillery team’s dedication to its craft and local impact mirrors our mission to help smaller businesses succeed and we are eager to see where they take the brand next.”
The funding also supports the launch of our 2025 private cask programme, announced mid-September. This is the second of only three cask offerings we will release, leaving a limited time to be part of our distillery’s story from the beginning. The offering includes a Palo Cortado Hogshead, Red Wine Barrique, and Bourbon Barrel.
From day one, our vision has been to build a distillery that celebrates the Hebrides and contributes to the island’s future. This investment gives us the confidence to keep laying down spirit for generations to come and to keep welcoming visitors to experience our story first-hand.
This week, we are proud to open reservations for the 2025 Benbecula Cask Offering, the second in our strictly limited three-year private cask programme. With only 120 casks available, this year’s release represents not just an investment in whisky, but an opportunity to become part of the living story of the Hebrides.
A Moment in Time
When we founded Benbecula Distillery in 2024, our ambition was to create a spirit that captures the essence of our island: the rugged beauty of the landscape, the warmth of its people, and the deep-rooted traditions that define Hebridean life. Each cask laid down is more than spirit and wood, it is a marker of time, a piece of heritage set aside to mature into something extraordinary.
The private cask programme is designed to be a fleeting window: three releases only, across our first three years of production. After 2026, there will be no further private offerings, making each year’s allocation a rare and finite chance to secure a place in our distillery’s history.
The 2025 Cask Offering
This year’s allocation comprises just 40 of each cask type:
Palo Cortado Hogshead (250L) – £8,000 Rare and complex, this sherry cask is Master Distiller Brendan McCarron’s personal favourite.
Red Wine Barrique (225L) – £7,500 Bursting with red fruits, blackcurrant and a rich chocolate sweetness.
Bourbon Barrel (200L) – £5,800 Classic American White Oak, adding smokiness, sweetness and spice.
Each cask will be filled in 2025 at 63.5% ABV under the guidance of Brendan McCarron, one of the most respected whisky makers in Scotland. His hand ensures the highest standards and a whisky worthy of the Benbecula name.
More Than Ownership
Becoming a cask owner means joining The Benbecula Comunn, our exclusive community of early supporters. Alongside your cask, you’ll enjoy:
Seven years of insured storage in our bonded warehouse
A certificate of ownership, membership card and commemorative coin
A sample of new make spirit
Free distillery tours for life (plus a guest)
Lunch for two on your first visit
10% discount on distillery products (excluding casks)
Access to limited bottlings and quarterly newsletters
Looking Ahead
The first bottlings from Benbecula Distillery are expected in 2029. For those who secure a cask today, it will mean sharing in the earliest expressions of our whisky and being part of a journey that future generations will look back on as the beginning.
With just 120 casks available, the 2025 Cask Offering is both rare and symbolic. It represents a chance to invest not only in a whisky, but in the story of an island and a distillery built to carry its spirit forward.
Benbecula Distillery Announces Brendan McCarron’s Masterclass at Festival Day on the Hebridean Whisky Trail
Benbecula Distillery is proud to announce its upcoming Festival Day as part of the Hebridean Whisky Trail Festival 2025, a summer celebration uniting Scotland’s island distilleries.
On September 11th, visitors to Benbecula will enjoy a distillery tour and an exclusive masterclass hosted by our Master Distiller, Brendan McCarron. Renowned across the whisky world for his expertise, Brendan will guide guests through a tasting of our distinctive spirits while sharing his whisky-making philosophy and the story behind our island distillery.
“The Hebridean Whisky Trail is an incredible way to showcase the variety and unique character of island whisky,” said Brendan McCarron. “We’re doing something very innovative and special here at Benbecula, and I’m really excited to share it with whisky enthusiasts on the trail. Sharing our whisky, our approach, and our story with visitors is always a privilege.”
Brendan is celebrated for the quality spirit he is crafting at Benbecula Distillery, where he continues to oversee and shape all aspects of production. Alongside his dedicated role with Benbecula, which is exclusive in Scotland, he has recently accepted a part-time consultancy role with The Lakes Distillery in England. This new position adds to his portfolio of international clients, but Benbecula remains his main focus.
The Hebridean Whisky Trail Festival offers whisky enthusiasts the chance to experience the diversity and excellence of Scotland’s island distilleries. At Benbecula Distillery, the festival day visitors can look forward to a warm reception in the new visitor centre, an insider’s view of the production process, and a rare opportunity to learn directly from one of the industry’s most respected figures.
Tickets for the festival day tour and masterclass are limited and available now. Learn more about the event and reserve your ticket by clicking below.
https://benbeculadistillery.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/1-2.png7001050Benbecula Distilleryhttps://benbeculadistillery.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Benbecula_logo_image_padding_V4-white-300x221.pngBenbecula Distillery2025-08-22 13:48:232025-08-22 13:52:52Brendan McCarron Masterclass for Benbecula’s Festival Day
Benbecula Half Marathon Draws Strong Turnout in 2025 Return
Benbecula, 31 May 2025 – The Benbecula Half Marathon returned this past Saturday, 31 May, following a six-year hiatus. Revived by a small group of enthusiastic local runners, the event once again brought together the community in celebration of fitness and island spirit.
Benbecula Half Marathon starting line
Piper Niall MacRury leading the opening ceremony at the Benbecula Half Marathon
Piper Niall MacRury leading the opening ceremony at the Benbecula Half Marathon
Benbecula Half Marathon runners parading out to the starting line in opening ceremony
The organising committee approached Benbecula Distillery, a single malt whisky distillery that opened in 2024, to sponsor the event, and the distillery quickly agreed. Several other local businesses also contributed, including items for the finisher bags.
The event saw an impressive 132 registered participants, a turnout well above past years. Light rain dusted the course early on, but cleared just in time for the race. A local piper, Niall MacRury, led runners from the hall to the start line, serenading both participants and spectators. Although the skies cleared, the Benbecula wind stayed strong. The route offered a scenic tour of the island, lined with supporters and culminating in a cheering crowd at the finish line.
Winners were awarded their prizes at a post-race ceremony, presented by Angus MacMillan, Founder of Benbecula Distillery. First place in the women’s category went to Coleen Monrad of Stornoway Running and Athletics Club, and first place in the men’s category to Alex Luetchford of Hunters Bog Trotters.
Congratulations to all the runners, both island locals and visiting participants, and a heartfelt thank you to those who made the event possible.
“A big thank you goes out to runners, spectators, and everyone in the community who made this event possible,” said race organiser Graham MacLeod. “The return of this race was inspiring not only for local runners, but for the community as a whole.”
Photos and future announcements for the 2026 Benbecula Half Marathon will be shared on the official social media page: Benbecula Half Marathon.
Benbecula Distillery Founder, Angus MacMillan, presenting the women’s category winner, Coleen Monrad, with her trophy and bottle of MacMillan Spirits Machair GinBenbecula Distillery Founder, Angus MacMillan, presenting the men’s category winner, Alex Luetchford, with his trophy and bottle of MacMillan Spirits Wheelhouse Whisky
Special thanks to Benbecula Distillery for sponsoring the event, the runners who took part, the volunteers who gave their time, and the many spectators who braved the weather. It was an exciting day for Benbecula, and a brilliant start to a summer of events, and the continuation of the half marathon.
Benbecula Distillery is now open for visitors, with tours available daily, and a full lunch menu with fresh seafood, tea, coffee, and sweet treats. Whether traveling to Benbecula for another fitness event or just passing through, everyone is encouraged to stop by the distillery for refreshments and to learn more about Benbecula and the Outer Hebrides. Open Monday-Friday.
Find more information about visiting the distillery here.
Benbecula Half Marathon Returns After Six-Year Break – Thanks to Benbecula Distillery
Benbecula, 7 May 2025 – The Benbecula Half Marathon is officially back after a six-year hiatus, and it’s all thanks to the generous support of local business Benbecula Distillery.
The event will take place on Saturday 31st May 2025, welcoming runners from across the islands and beyond for a day of fitness, community, and celebration.
This week, members of the organising committee accepted the race’s finishers’ T-shirts, running bibs, and medals from Angus MacMillan, founder of Benbecula Distillery, and Mary Margaret Connarty, Distillery Manager. Their support as main sponsor has been instrumental in reviving the event.
“We’re incredibly grateful to Benbecula Distillery for helping us bring the half marathon back to life,” said a spokesperson for the organising committee. “Their backing has allowed us to create a quality experience for our runners and continue the legacy of this much-loved event.”
As the distillery continues to grow its presence on the island, it now offers guided tours to visitors, providing a unique insight into the whisky-making process. The Distillery Café is also open Monday to Friday, offering a warm welcome to locals and tourists alike.
The return of the Benbecula Half Marathon marks a significant moment for the local running community and the island itself, offering both residents and visitors an opportunity to take part in an event known for its warm atmosphere and scenic routes.
Find more information about visiting the distillery here.
For the first three years of production, we are offering exclusive cask releases, with only 150 casks available per release. Our cask offering allows whisky enthusiasts to become part of our story and to age their whisky with us, later celebrating with their own bottles of whisky. We believe that transparency is essential in cask ownership, and we take several steps to ensure our customers feel fully informed and confident in their purchase. Here is how we promote transparency through our cask ownership process.
1. Our Whisky Production
As a fully operational distillery producing 150,000L of spirit per annum, we sell casks directly to customers. This means complete transparency, full control over your purchase, and a direct relationship with the people who craft your whisky.
2. Accreditation & Accountability
The Scotch whisky industry is regulated by HMRC, and we are HMRC accredited, undergo regular audits of cask stocks, and adhere to the Scotch Whisky Association’s standards. We employ industry professionals to uphold best practices, ensuring our processes are transparent and secure. Every cask is documented, recorded, and carefully tracked to provide full transparency to our customers. Each purchase comes with written terms and conditions that clearly outline the ownership.
3. Safe & Secure Storage
We provide insured storage for up to seven years in our bonded warehouse, ensuring that every cask is properly maintained and protected. Customers receive clear documentation and can have regular updates about their whisky’s progress upon request.
4. Clarity & Open Communication
We believe transparency builds trust, that’s why we ensure that every cask owner has:
Full ownership documentation, including a certificate of cask ownership and a signed terms and conditions contract.
Clear pricing with no hidden fees: we outline costs upfront.
Direct communication with our team, so customers can ask questions and stay informed.
Updates on cask maturation, keeping owners engaged in their whisky’s journey upon request.
At Benbecula Distillery, we offer cask ownership as a way for whisky enthusiasts to connect with our spirit. Whisky should be about passion, authenticity, and enjoyment, and we’re here to make sure it stays that way.
Benbecula Distillery Makes its Mark at Dubai Whisky Festival and Breaks a Guinness World Record
Benbecula Distillery, a new single malt whisky producer from the Outer Hebrides, made history this past weekend by helping break a Guinness World Record in Dubai at MaltLive 2025. The distillery, which began production in May 2024, was invited to attend this whisky festival at the Emirates Golf Club on February 22nd and 23rd by the event organisers, Malt Society of Arabia. The event celebrates the world of whisky on an international scale, and the organisers planned an engaging two-day event with 250+ expressions, well-known and small, independent brands, panels, and competitions.
Despite being a young distillery with no bottled products yet on the shelves, Benbecula played a pivotal role at the event, sponsoring the Guinness World Record attempt for most nationalities participating in a whisky masterclass. At a time when the whisky industry is working to attract a broader and more diverse audience, this record-breaking moment highlighted how whisky can unite people across cultures, ages, and backgrounds in a shared appreciation of the complex craft.
Benbecula Distillery helps set Guinness World Record at MaltLive whisky festival in Dubai
Brendan McCarron, Master Distiller, taught the masterclass with 60 nationalities in attendance
Guinness World Record attempt hats
Brendan McCarron, Master Distiller
Masterclass attendees
Brendan’s Blend for tasting
Angus MacMillan, Founder, and MSA member, Ganesh Iyer
Masterclass attendees
MSA and Guinness rep
Masterclass attendees
Masterclass attendees
The Historic Guinness World Record Attempt
The record attempt required representatives from at least 50 nationalities to take part in a 30-minute whisky masterclass. Under the supervision of an official Guinness World Record representative, whisky lovers from 60 countries registered for the class, creating an exciting international milestone in the industry. As the official sponsor of the attempt, Benbecula Distillery’s Master Distiller, Brendan McCarron, led the masterclass. Well-respected in the whisky world, McCarron has built his reputation through decades of work, including brands such as Glenmorangie, Oban, Deanston, Tobermory, and Bunnahabhain.
Given that Benbecula Distillery is still in its early days, they took a unique approach to the tasting samples. First was their new make spirit, the raw, unaged spirit before maturation. Just below 70% ABV, this cask-strength liquid gives a taste of the spirit’s foundation, and it was met with a very positive reception from whisky enthusiasts. The second sample was a special blended malt crafted by McCarron to emulate what Benbecula’s single malt will become after aging. This offered a first glimpse at their signature Outer Hebridean style with gentle smoke, floral notes, and marine character.
After 30 minutes of engaging the group with the wonders of whisky, the Guinness World Record adjudicator took the stage to confirm that the attempt had been successful – MaltLive 2025 had officially set a new world record.
A Significant Moment for Whisky
This monumental achievement reinforced whisky’s global appeal and its ability to bring people together. With thousands of attendees at MaltLive, the enthusiasm for tasting and learning about whisky was clear. This event challenged outdated perceptions about who whisky is for and how it should be enjoyed, proving that whisky culture is evolving and becoming more inclusive.
For Benbecula Distillery, this was a significant moment. As a small, independent distillery from the Outer Hebrides, they found themselves in the spotlight at the whisky industry’s largest global gatherings in the region. Their participation not only introduced their unique spirit to a wider audience but also solidified their reputation as a bold new name to watch in the whisky industry.
Benbecula Distillery 2025 Cask Offering
Beyond the Guinness World Record, Benbecula Distillery attended MaltLive to introduce its cask ownership programme. The distillery was invited to the event by Malt Society of Arabia, the event organisers, whose relationship began last year by purchasing many casks from the 2024 offering. To continue with cask sales, Benbecula promoted their 2025 cask offering at the festival. They are only offering three years of cask offerings, with 2025 being the second of three total, creating an exclusive opportunity for customers to own a Benbecula cask and be a part of the brand’s journey. The casks used are chosen specially by Master Distiller McCarron to suit the flavour profiles of the spirit, and are sure to demonstrate his expertise and the distillery’s unique spirit character. With limited availability, those interested in casks are encouraged to reach out to casks@benbeculadistillery.com or visit 2025 Cask Offering | benbecula distillery to secure their opportunity.
The Spirit of the Hebrides
Benbecula Distillery was founded by Angus MacMillan, a local businessman and crofter, with the vision of bringing prosperity and opportunity to the Outer Hebrides while sharing the magic of island whisky with the world. A sense of place is important for the distillery, and through its opening, there have been a significant number of jobs and opportunities created for the population of the islands. The distillery will also help increase tourism economy on the island, providing more than just whisky, but a cultural education and a deeper look at the Outer Hebrides.
Benbecula Distillery crafts “The Spirit of the Hebrides”, using seaweed-enriched Bere barley from Angus’s croft and heather-peated fires, bringing back ancient whisky-making techniques not seen for many years. The visitor centre at the distillery is opening this spring.
From a small island to a world stage, Benbecula Distillery has proven that it’s not just another Scotch whisky brand, but a distillery with a bold vision, deep-rooted heritage, and global ambition.
https://benbeculadistillery.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/DSC07692-scaled.jpg17072560Benbecula Distilleryhttps://benbeculadistillery.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Benbecula_logo_image_padding_V4-white-300x221.pngBenbecula Distillery2025-03-19 13:59:192025-03-24 12:52:50Benbecula Distillery Breaks Guinness World Record at Dubai Whisky Festival
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