BENRIACH LAUNCHES INAUGURAL NFT ON BLOCKBAR.COM
Bridging physical and digital for the first time, Benriach today merges old with new as it launches a luxury twinset with two bottles, one Benriach The Forty and one Benriach The Forty Octave Cask Matured, exclusively as a non-fungible token (NFT).
Only ten twinsets will be available exclusively on BlockBar.com, the world’s first direct-to-consumer NFT marketplace for luxury wines and spirits.
It will be the only time these incredibly limited edition expressions are available anywhere in the world as a bespoke twinset. The launch brings to life the marriage between Benriach’s tradition and innovation, celebrating two expressions which speak to the heritage of eclectic cask exploration and spirit styles at the distillery.
Along with the digital NFT providing the right to acquire both bottles, and a certificate of authenticity from BlockBar, NFT owners of record as of December 1, 2022 at 21:00 GMT, will receive an invitation for an exclusive event at Benriach’s Speyside distillery, meeting the creative team of whisky makers at Benriach and exploring the world of flavour the distillery has to offer.
Rachel Barrie, Master Blender for Benriach, commented:
“We are hugely excited that the launch of Benriach The Forty and Benriach The Forty Octave Cask Matured will happen via NFT marketplace BlockBar.com.”
“Fine bourbon casks have gradually developed exquisite notes of honeyed pomelo and lush orchard fruits to create Benriach The Forty, one of the oldest ever peated whiskies released from Speyside. Over the decades of maturation, the smoky character of peated Benriach spirit refines and mellows, transforming into ripe fruit sweetness. This intricate character is interwoven with dark notes of chocolate, rich plum and smooth walnut from port casks sourced from the Douro Valley in Portugal.
“Benriach The Forty Octave Cask Matured is the finest example of Benriach matured with creative consideration. The liquid was ingeniously nurtured in small octave casks, which are an eighth of the size of a regular cask. These casks were crafted from the staves of American oak bourbon casks, rich with indulgent orchard and dark fruits and a flawless silken oak finish. It is a testament to our history of creativity in cask exploration.”
The twinset will include bespoke customisation on the packaging and will be securely stored by BlockBar until redeemed. Buyers can also trade their NFT within the blockbar.com marketplace, store it in their virtual bar, or gift it through BlockBar’s new gifting platform.
Dov Falic, BlockBar co-founder and CEO, said: “We are delighted that Benriach has chosen to partner with BlockBar to launch its first ever NFT. We look forward to building a great relationship together and releasing more exclusive drops for our BlockBar community.”
Each of the 10 NFTs will represent a set of two bottles, one Benriach The Forty and one Benriach The Forty Octave Cask Matured, and can be purchased exclusively on BlockBar.com. The drop goes live at 10AM EST on Tuesday 11th October on a first come, first served basis. Initially priced at USD$8000, each NFT is available to purchase with ETH or credit card. At 10AM, the first user(s) to reserve the NFTs will then have 10 minutes to check out. Users who successfully check out will receive the NFT(s) they purchased, each representing the right to own the physical bottles, which are stored with BlockBar until the bottle owner is ready to redeem from spring 2023.
