Benromach 1982 Gordon & MacPhail Private Collection 39 yo c. 3024410

 

 

 

60,1°

Distillery : Benromach - Speyside

Sherry Cask and 1st Fill Burgundy Finish

Independent Bottling 

By Gordon & MacPhail 

Limited Edition 

Single Cask 

Bottled in 2022

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured, Cask Strength

Peated around 12 ppm

 

 

 

This Benromach was certainly one of the main attractions at the last Whisky Live. And with good reason, there aren't that many Benromach of this age. They date from the old distillery, before it closed, between 1983 and 1998. This whisky has had a long journey, spending the first 19 years of its maturation in a Sherry cask, and the next 20 in a first-fill Burgundy wine cask. It's rare that the finish takes longer than the ageing itself, but that's the case here. Only 202 bottles were released for sale. It should be noted that, because Benromach is now owned by Gordon & MacPhail, it is not really an independent bottling.

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

The Sherry and the wine make themselves felt, but it's very well balanced. Date, fig, with a touch of raspberry jam, varnished noble wood, cotton wet with mercurochrome, quince compote, hot caramel, melting chocolate. Hints of red fruits, blackcurrants, blackberries. Behind, we recognise the distillery's profile, royal jelly, vanilla and a whiff of dusty smoke. The palate is silky, but also gourmand, velvety fruits, delicate nougatine, fudge and beeswax. Perfectly integrated spices. A few earthy notes, followed by an absolutely incredible, never-ending finish of dried banana, baked apples, cinnamon and a pinch of clove, cardamom, black radish, pan-fried mushrooms, humus and chocolate truffles. Ginger, nutmeg.

 

In Short, 

The sherry and wine add a fruity depth and character that enhances the distillery's palette. It gives it a fullness and richness of flavour that I've never experienced before from this distillery. Age gives it a certain nobility, patina and subtlety. It's truly a masterpiece. On the other hand, the price is very steep, but it's on special offer these days, for the equivalent of a median salary in France.

Score : 91

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping :

 

                                           Ison - Isae