Benromach 2009 Super Tuscan Wine Cask Collection Itinéraires 15 yo

 

 

 

58,2°

Distillery : Benromach - Speyside 

1st Fill Sassicaia Wine Cask 

Original Bottling 

Limited Edition 

Single Cask 

Bottled in 2025

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured, Cask Strength

Peated around 12 ppm

Another Benromach selected by La Maison du Whisky to be part of the Itinéraires collection, this one was aged in a Sassicaia cask from Tuscany. It is 15 years old, but at 17 days short, it was 16. 272 bottles were put on sale.

Let's Taste It : 

The influence of wine is powerful, black grapes, tannins, blackberry soup, light and liquid soot. Forest honey, pine resin, cold ashes. Dark chocolate, coffee, a zest of lemon. Dried fruit, dates, figs. Persistent woodiness. On the palate, it is smooth, fruity, very ripe pear, candied fruit, vast and intense spices, clove, cumin, pepper. Creamy vanilla, coconut milk. Long finish, but not so powerful, black berries, various cereals, candied lemon, fried onions, some mineral and earthy notes. Charcoal and roots.

In Short, 

I tasted it twice. The first time, I liked it, but the second time, I found that the influence of the wine was too strong and that the overall balance was off. Perhaps what changed was how long the bottle had been open. But what is certain is that the wine is very present, and full maturation in wine barrels is risky. I don't think it's advisable to buy this one, especially as the price is very high. 

Score : 87

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping : 

 

                                           DakhaBrakha - Carpathian Rap

Benromach 2002 Single Cask Collection Itinéraires 22 yo

 

 

 

57,2°

Distillery : Benromach - Speyside 

1st Fill Bourbon Barrel

Original Bottling 

Limited Edition 

Single Cask 

Bottled in 2025

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured, Cask Strength

Peated around 12 ppm

 

 

 

After being the subject of an entire series within the Artist range last year, the distillery is continuing its partnership with La Maison du Whisky and has allowed the latter to select this cask from their warehouses. Having aged for 22 years, 6 months, three weeks and three days in a Single 1st Fill Bourbon Barrel, this is a pure Benromach. Only 157 bottles were released from the barrel, making it a rarity reserved for the French market. 

 

 

 

Let's Taste It :  

A nose that is entirely typical of the distillery, very clean and expressive, with notes of fleur de sel, dry hay, light vanilla, floor wax, pine needles, melted butter, generous lemon squirts, grainy cereals, orange peel, pulpy mirabelle plums, fresh apples, a pinch of cinnamon and nutmeg. On the palate, fruit paste, with liquorice, and still that intense salinity, creamy honey, vanilla and citrus, herbaceous and woody notes, various spices. Long, powerful finish, lemon cream, slices of green apple, pine bark, curry, dried banana, malted barley, ferns.

 

In Short, 

This is truly the quintessence of Benromach. I've tasted better ones than this one, but I don't think any more authentic. The others were either aged in sherry or something else that diminished the influence of the distillate, or had a creamy profile due to the Bourbon cask, which was very pleasant, but again, the distillate wasn't as prominent. There's personality here, and even a lot of character, with salt and dry hay, abundant cereals and pulpy fruits. This is the bottle for all fans of the distillery, so much so that it's completely sold out today, despite its fairly high price. It's a shame, I would have enjoyed it.

Score : 90

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping : 

 

                                           Kindred Valley - Why I'm Crying

Benromach 2002 Artist #14 Legendary Distilleries 22 yo

 

 

 

55,5°

Distillery : Benromach - Speyside 

1st Fill Sherry Hogshead

Independent Bottling 

By La Maison du Whisky 

Limited Edition 

Single Cask 

Bottled in 2024

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured, Cask Strength

Peated around 12 ppm

 

 

 

Another Benromach, this time aged 22 years in 1st Fill Sherry Cask, selected by La Maison du Whisky to be part of the Artist #14 range on the occasion of the Whisky Live Paris 2024. 329 bottles have been produced for the French market as a priority. The label features a work of art by Logovarda entitled Sans Titre 4. 

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

Very fine sherry, slightly woody, sandalwood, tanned leather, candied apricots, mahogany wood leaves, pine cones, dark chocolatey prunes, dried figs, crushed walnuts, the whole sprinkled with cinnamon. Delicate peat in the background. The palate seems a little light, with dried white fruit, mirabelle plums, ginger, salted butter caramel, and discreet citrus fruit. The spices rise gently, cardamom, nutmeg, cloves. Very satisfying finish, long, powerful but subtle, cocoa powder, saffron, cereals, blond tobacco, dried raisins, balsamic vinegar. Cold ashes.

 

In Short, 

This one caused quite a stir at the Whisky Live, and it was the one to taste, it seems. The nose is in fact particularly delicious, very nuanced and woody, with a Sherry that is not at all overpowering but very present. But I found the palate a little clear, so I don't fully share the general enthusiasm for it. The finish, on the other hand, is very good. Still, the price is excessive, so despite the product's reputation, some copies are still lurking on sales shelves.

Score : 89

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping :

 

                                           Henrik Freischlader - Lonely World

Benromach 2005 Artist #14 Legendary Distilleries 19 yo

 

 

 

59°

Distillery : Benromach - Speyside

1st Fill Sherry Butt

Independent Bottling 

By La Maison du Whisky

Limited Edition 

Single Cask 

Bottled in 2024

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured, Cask Strength

Peated around 12 ppm

 

 

 

Of the 5 Benromach bottlings launched within the Artist #14 range, hallmarked Legendary Distilleries, 3 are aged in 1st Fill Bourbon Barrel, and 2 are aged in Sherry casks, like this one, which spent 19 years in a Sherry Butt. The label is decorated with a work by Logovarda called Sans Titre 2, and 264 bottles have been released from cask.

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

A full-bodied nose of red fruit, black cherry, redcurrant and blueberry, waxed wood, fat earth, powerful citrus fruit, juicy pear with a dash of chocolate, all enhanced by slightly ashy peat. Forest fragrances, ferns, chestnuts in their husks, undergrowth. On the palate, the fruit becomes even more intense, blackberries, blackcurrants, muscat grapes, raspberry coulis tinged with vanilla, a few dried fruits and strong spices, nutmeg, cloves. The finish is long and fierce, woody but above all herbaceous, with sage, thyme and fennel. A pinch of salt, some seaweed, very vague maritime touches.

 

In Short, 

I find it very Sherry-like, with elements that are typical of the distillery, but too rare for my taste. That said, it's very nuanced and subtle, very pleasant to drink, and has a consistency that only a respectable age can provide. But the price is too high in my opinion. Despite the quality of the Sherry, it lacks a bit of personality for me to recommend buying it at this cost.

Score : 89

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping :

 

                                           Arbess Williams - Walking the Back Streets and Crying

Benromach 2014 Artist #14 Legendary Distilleries 10 yo

 

 

 

60,4°

Distillery : Benromach - Speyside

1st Fill Bourbon Barrel

Independent Bottling 

By La Maison du Whisky

Limited Edition 

Single Cask 

Bottled in 2024

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured, Cask Strength

Peated around 12 ppm

 

 

 

Within the Artist #14 range, launched on the occasion of Whisky Live Paris 2024, there is a Legendary Distilleries section, dedicated to a particular distillery, this year it's Benromach, highlighted by 5 bottlings, including this one, the youngest, distilled in 2014 and aged in a 1st Fill Bourbon Barrel, to give way to its vigour and the ardour of its youth. 238 bottles were issued, with priority given to the French market. The label features a work by Logovarda entitled Sans Titre 1.

Let's Taste It : 

The nose is relatively complex, with yellow fruits, blood oranges, vanilla, banana, a zest of lemon, a few drops of honey, beeswax, mirabelle plums, and finally a light mineral touch: chalk and quartz, a pinch of salt, malted cereals. On the palate, it's more pungent, with more character and spices that bring out the fruit, cinnamon, ginger and cloves. Delicate herbal and menthol notes, gentian. The finish is long and powerful, with juicy pear, somewhat jostled by a delicate peat, shortbread biscuits, chestnuts and reeds.

In Short, 

The Bourbon cask softens the youthfulness of this one, resulting in a very fruity nose, but with more liveliness on the palate and on the finish. The result is a powerful, taut Benromach, somewhere between the sweetness of the cask and the power of youth. The price is yet a little high for what it is, though affordable. Fans can treat themselves.

Score : 88

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping :

 

                                           Rowena Wise - Oh Man

Benromach 2003 Artist #14 Legendary Distilleries 20 yo

 

 

 

56,7°

Distillery : Benromach - Speyside 

1st Fill Bourbon Barrel

Independent Bottling

By La Maison du Whisky

Limited Edition 

Single Cask 

Bottled in 2024

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured, Cask Strength

Peated around 12 ppm

 

 

 

Among the Benromachs released by La Maison du Whisky as part of the Artist #14 series, this 20-year-old has been aged exclusively in a 1st Fill Bourbon Barrel, before being transferred to 181 bottles. The label features a work by Logovarda entitled Sans Titre 3. The cask number being 666, we can expect something devilish.

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

The nose is more cereal-like, fatter, with puffed rice, semolina with milk, lemon zest, creamy vanilla, light peat. A pinch of salt, herbal touches, hay and speculoos. Honeyed freshness. On the palate, it's barely fruity, lime, mirabelle plum, then smooth and mineral vanilla, a hint of peat and a few spices, nutmeg, cardamom, a mint leaf. Long, delicately maritime finish, with mushy cereals, oats, millet. It's vaguely woody, with whiffs of barnyard. Nuts, chestnuts.

 

In Short, 

The difference is very slight with the 25 year old, perhaps because I drank them one after the other. The 25-year-old is sunnier, while the 20-year-old is fatter and milder. But both are very interesting and pleasant to drink. The price is a little less crazy for this one, but it's still exaggerated.

Score : 90

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping :

 

                                            Car Seat Headrest - High to Death

Benromach 1998 Artist #14 Legendary Distilleries 25 yo

 

 

 

50,3°

Distillery : Benromach - Speyside

1st Fill Bourbon Barrel

Independent Bottling 

By La Maison du Whisky

Limited Edition 

Single Cask 

Bottled in 2024

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured, Cask Strength

Peated around 12 ppm

 

 

 

A whole section of the 14th Batch in the Artist range is devoted to Benromach, a Speyside distillery reopened in 1998 when it was bought by independent bottlers Gordon & MacPhail. So a series of 5 bottlings is released into the wild, and the oldest is this one, a 25 year old, distilled in the same year that the distillery returned to operation. The ageing is classic, with only 160 bottles produced. The label features a work entitled Sans Titre 5 by Logovarda.

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

The nose is excellent, pure elegance, mellow, warm brioche, butter soufflé, wheat semolina, egg cream, a few speculoos crumbs, frangipane, exotic fruits in the background, banana, kumquat, a touch of grapefruit, mirabelle plums, greengages, quetsches, whipped cream. On the palate, as fruity as ever, pine honey, milk chocolate coulis, vanilla pastry cream, discreet spices, candied ginger, nutmeg, cinnamon, noble and delicate woodiness. The finish is very long, powerful and distinguished at the same time. The chocolate becomes dark, almost earthy, and is accompanied by cereals, toasted wheat, shortbread biscuits, hints of menthol then herbaceous, but very delicate.

 

In Short, 

It's truly magnificent, with great subtlety and a beautiful variety of flavours and fragrances. At once delicate and very assertive, fruity and creamy, the Bourbon is perfectly integrated into the distillery's profile. In short, it's a delight. Unfortunately, the price is grotesquely high.

Score : 90

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping :

 

                                           Gold Connections - Icarus

Benromach 2001 Single Cask Collection New Vibrations 22 yo

 

 

 

56,2°

Distillery : Benromach - Speyside

1st Fill Organic Virgin Oak Cask 

Original Bottling 

Limited Edition 

Single Cask 

Bottled in 2023

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured, Cask Strength

Peated around 12 ppm

 

 

 

This is the twin brother of its predecessor, also selected by La Maison du Whisky to be part of the New Vibrations collection, which means exclusive sales in France. This one is organic, meaning that it has been made from Optic organic barley and aged in a virgin organic oak cask. 274 bottles were produced.

 

 

 

Let's Taste It :  

It's more farmy, with cereals and cut hay, toasted wheat and muesli, a little earthy too, all coated in a lovely grainy peat. Slightly astringent, even medicinal, with hints of limestone and quartz. Yellow fruit and vanilla amidst straw and chalk. On the palate, there's a note of bitterness, with dried fig, and the woodiness is intense, perhaps a little too much so. The spices are very present, cloves and nutmeg. The finish is long, well-balanced but not explosive, rather herbaceous. Reeds, bamboos, leaves of succulent plants, yucca and others. All this with grain and crushed chestnuts.

 

In Short, 

I really liked the nose, but on the palate the virgin casks were noticeable and gave it a bitter taste, which I didn't really like. What's more, the finish lacks explosiveness. A few slight flaws which mean that the bottle is still available today, not to mention the very high price.

Score : 89

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping :

 

                                           Intuitive Compass - Don't Mind the Will of the Ones Who Aim to Destroy you

Benromach 2002 Single Cask Collection New Vibrations 21 yo

 

 

 

58,3°

Distillery : Benromach - Speyside

1st Fill Bourbon Barrel

Original Bottling 

Limited Edition 

Single Cask 

Bottled in 2023

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured, Cask Strength

Peated around 12 ppm

 

 

 

This Single Cask released by Benromach has been selected by La Maison du Whisky to be part of the New Vibrations Collection, which means an exclusive sale in France. It was made from Optic barley, a fairly rare variety. It then spent 21 years, 2 months and 14 days in a first-fill Bourbon barrel, and finally, 185 bottles came to light.

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

The nose is perfectly balanced, with the Bourbon giving notes of honey, vanilla custard, lemon zest and frangipane. It's smooth, despite the influence of delicate and grainy peat. The distillate is earthy, but also floral, even rustic. The palate is full of thick, acacia honey. Bananas and passion fruit, it's exotic, with white grapes and leafy hints. The spices are relatively light, leading to a long finish, with just the right amount of explosion, crushed chestnuts, hazelnuts, almonds, cashew nuts, dry earth, pistachio. Pine needles.

In Short, 

It's extremely well made, the Bourbon has a nice influence but not too strong, and the distillate brings a discreet but present character. It's an excellent bottling, and one that's made quite a splash, so much so that it's sold out everywhere despite being overpriced. It's the kind of bottle to buy the day it's released.

Score : 90

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping :

 

                                           Mick Harvey - When We Were Beautiful & Young

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

Benromach 21 yo

 

 

 

43°

Distillery : Benromach - Speyside

1st Fill Bourbon & Sherry Casks

Original Bottling 

Core Range 

Single Malt 

Launched in 2020

Uncoloured

Peated around 12 ppm

 

 

 

A first 21yo was launched in 2005, but as the distillery was closed from 1983 to 1998, it was not designed to last long. So we had to wait until 2020 for a new edition of this 21 yo, this time completely different of course. Produced exclusively in first-fill casks, and without colouring, however it is not known whether it is chill-filtered or not.

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

Exceptionally creamy and honeyed. This is authentic Benromach character, with notes of vanilla custard, whipped cream, cinnamon leaf and nutmeg. Baked oranges, grapefruit and a grain of gooseberry. The smoke is barely perceptible. On the palate, candied vanilla, lemon zest, very well balanced. Yellow fruits, very discreet spices. The finish is long and well mastered, with hints of cereals, rye and wheat, dried fruits, dates and apricots. Fresh fig, sandy earth.

 

In Short, 

Excellent work, but not earth-shattering either. It's pretty much what you'd expect. I'd like to say it's genius, but it's not. On the other hand, the price is rather attractive for such an age, so you might give in to temptation if you're a fan of the distillery.

Score : 88

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping :

 

                                           Michael Locke - Cost of Lovin'

Benromach 2011 Contrasts: Double Matured 12 yo

 

 

 

46°

Distillery : Benromach - Speyside

1st Fill Bourbon Casks and Bordeaux Wine Finish

Original Bottling 

Limited Edition 

Single Malt 

Bottled in 2023

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured

Peated around 12 ppm

 

 

 

In fact, this bottle hasn't even been released yet. But it won't be long now. Within the Contrasts range inaugurated three years ago, the people at Benromach allow themselves to experiment. In this case, the distillate is matured twice, first in Bourbon casks for 7 years, then in Bordeaux wine casks for a further 5 years. The number of bottles produced is unknown. 

 

 

 

Let's Taste It :  

Typically vinous nose, but very well done. Macerated muscat grapes, heather earth, lingonberries and blackcurrants, black berries, leafy undergrowth. No acidity, but rich spices, paprika, saffron, nutmeg. A delicate, barely charred smoke blurs the picture. Beeswax, fresh Noirmoutiers butter. Silky palate, pleasant but no more than that, with some red fruits, a bit earthy, very measured spices. Long, pleasant, sparkling finish, hard bread, croutons rubbed with garlic, varnished wood. Damp earth and bark.

 

In Short, 

It's very well made, but you have to like wine barrel finishes. I have no idea of the price when it comes out, but it should be the same as the others in the same range, so fair enough.

Score : 87

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping :

 

                                           Max Merritt & The Meteors - Slipping Away

Benromach 2012 Contrasts: Kiln Dried Oak 10 yo

 

 

 

46°

Distillery : Benromach - Speyside

Virgin Oak Barrels 

Original Bottling 

Limited Edition 

Single Malt 

Bottled in 2023

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured

Peated around 12 ppm

 

 

 

To compare with the Air Dried Oak, aged in air-dried casks for three years, they have released this Kilm Dried Oak, distilled at the same time as the previous one, of the same age, but aged in air-dried casks for just two years before being heated in a kiln. We don't know how many bottles were produced. This is typical of the Contrasts range, which was launched three years ago: it's all about experimenting.

Let's Taste It : 

It's very honeyed and woody, with gingerbread, shortbread biscuits and smoked tea. The fruit is present but a little hidden, with a fine, sweet smoke. Soft caramel, warm butter, bread just out of the oven. A few dried fruits, raisins, apricots. Nougat and braised vanilla. It's velvety on the palate, but a little light, quince jam and braised corn, angelica, it's ethereal, floral, with herbaceous nuances. Nice, syrupy spices. The finish is fairly long and rich, tobacco, heather, coffee grounds, chicory, dark chocolate.

In Short, 

I preferred this one, which was warmer, more woody and honeyed, and more expressive on the nose. On the other hand, the palate seemed a bit lighter to me. But to each his own, Ruben preferred the Air Dried Oak, for example. As for the price, it's just as expensive as the other one, but this time it's a bargain in my opinion.

Score : 87

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping :

 

                                           Daniel Caesar - Best Part

Benromach 2012 Contrasts: Air Dried Oak 10 yo

 

 

 

46°

Distillery : Benromach - Speyside

Virgin Oak Barrels

Original Bottling 

Limited Edition 

Single Malt 

Bottled in 2023

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured

Peated around 12 ppm

 

 

 

For the last three years, this new Constrasts range has brought together all of Benromach's limited editions. The Peat Smoke, the Organic, but also a few curiosities like this Air Dried Oak, a juice aged for 10 years in virgin casks that have been air-dried for three years. Contrast this with another limited edition, Kiln Dried Oak, which underwent exactly the same maturation over the same number of years, but whose casks were only air-dried for two years before being toasted in a kiln. No indication about the number of bottles produced.

 

 

Let's Taste It :  

The nose is full-bodied, typical of Benromach, heather and vanilla, with that little twist of chocolate cola seed. White fruits of course, especially grapes. Orchard fruits too. It smells like nature, like a vegetable garden, but it's beautifully balanced. Very discreet caramel. On the palate, fruitcake and fairly rich spices, paprika, saffron, nutmeg. Good, long finish, cloves, red pepper, tree bark and damp earth, it's rich and deep, dried fruits, apricots, dates, goji berries.

 

In Short, 

It's a good Benromach, with no bitterness at all linked to poorly prepared virgin casks, and all the distillery's hallmarks are fully expressed, in a neutral setting. The price is a little bit high, but not enough to deter the curious. It could prove to be a worthwhile purchase.

Score : 86

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                            To Be Listened While Sipping :

                                            Duff McKagan - I Just Don't Know

Benromach 2010 Sassicaia Wood Finish

 

 

 

45°

Distillery : Benromach - Speyside

1st Fill Ex-Bourbon Casks and Sassicaia Finish

Original Bottling 

Limited Edition 

Single Malt 

Bottled in 2018

Peated around 12 ppm

This one is an interesting edition, finished for 28 months in barrels of Tuscan wine, the very famous Sassicaia. Launched in the form of vintage bottlings, sporadically since 2006. The alcohol content is slightly higher than usual for this distillery.

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

The bourbon and the red wine are well blended and accentuate the woody notes, as well as the influence of red fruits, blackberries, blueberries, muscat grapes, heather earth, chestnuts cooked in the fireplace, crispy cereals, rutabaga. Engaging palate, with plenty of ripe fruits, plums, apples, blackcurrants. Very good, fairly long finish, with hints of pumpkin and greenery, fern, acacia leaf, but also chocolate, cinnamon, damsons. Tannins. Damp earth.

 

In Short, 

It's a great success, and it's now clear that Benromach's reputation began with this edition, which existed even before the 10 year old. A must-have if you can find it at a reasonable price.

Score : 86

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping :

  

                                           Tim Buckley - Sweet Surrender

Benromach 2008 Cask Strength Batch 1 10 yo

57,9°

Distillery : Benromach - Speyside

Bourbon and Sherry Casks

Original Bottling

Limited Edition

Single Malt

Bottled in 2019

Cask Strength

Peated around 12 ppm

 

Benromach releases vintage cask strength bottlings quite often, even several times a year, to reveal the quintessence of its distillate. This one was produced in 5500 copies.

Let's Taste It : 

Apple-vanilla nose, more specifically green apple and vanilla meringue ice cream. Pumpkin, butternut, yellow pepper. A touch of smoke, very dry hay. The sherry is light, with a few blueberries and prunes, but nothing more. Warm vanilla-spice palate, it's warm, pumpkin purée, lots of white fruits, coarse salt, and a vanilla-wood finish, with an ounce of red fruits, raspberry I'd say. Or maybe gooseberry? Quite a muscular finish given the alcohol content, and quite long. Sage.

 

In Short, 

A very typical expression of the distillery, with that country profile, vanilla and hay, and a touch of sherry. The price is very reasonable, so take advantage of it. 

Score : 88

         

                                          To Be Listened While Sipping : 

   

                                          Creedence Clearwater Revival - Suzie Q

Benromach 2010 Peat Smoke

59,9°

Distillery : Benromach - Speyside

1st Fill Sherry Hogsheads

Original Bottling

Limited Edition

Single Malt

Bottled in 2018

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured, Cask Strength

Peated around 34 ppm

Benromach has been producing this vintage Peat Smoke every year since 2007. This batch, which is rather less peaty than the first ones, has the originality of having been aged in sherry casks, and the advantage of being bottled in cask strength. 6,500 bottles were put on sale in 2019. 

Let's Taste It : 

Very rustic peat, reminiscent of burnt hay. The sherry then rises, a rather sweet sherry, with hints of apricot and dried fruits. Thick smoke. Lingonberries. Woody influence. A touch of acidity. With water, the nose becomes fuller. Slightly acidic on the palate, but suave at the same time, with rising spices and a lingering taste of light raspberry. The finish is violent but not too long, spicy and woody. It fades slowly, leaving a shade of white plum.

 

In Short, 

A highly successful expression that will appeal to enthusiasts. On the other hand, it has become hard to find, and a bit overpriced. 

Score : 87

                                          To Be Listened While Sipping :

   

                                          The Inspector Cluzo - Rockfarmers

Benromach 1998 20th Anniversary Bottling 19 yo

56,2°

Distillery : Benromach - Speyside

1st Fill Oak Casks

Original Bottling

Limited Edition

Single Malt

Bottled in 2018

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured, Cask Strength

Peated around 12 ppm

To celebrate the 20th anniversary of the reopening of the distillery, 3,000 units of this limited edition were released, aged in virgin casks to bring out the full purity of the distillate.

Let's Taste It : 

Beautiful fullness on the nose, a shade of peat and camphor, evanescent smoke. I slept in the hay, surrounded by fruits, grapes, peaches, apricots, and of course very sweet, almost honeyed vanilla. Earth a bit dry, grainy. Slight acidity, apple not quite ripe. Very fine balance. Velvety on the palate, with a hint of gooseberry, followed by rising spices and then pomegranate. Cloves. It's suave. Woody notes, including on the finish, which is fairly long, caramel, lingonberries. Cinnamon.

In Short, 

A very enjoyable nectar, very fruity and characteristic of the distillery. Unfortunately, the price is quite extravagant.

Score : 89

                                          To Be Listened While Sipping :

   

                                          Vic Chesnutt - Coward

Benromach 2008 Peat Smoke

46°

Distillery : Benromach - Speyside

Refill Bourbon Hogsheads

Original Bottling

Limited Edition

Single Malt

Bottled in 2018

Unchillfiltered

Peated around 47 ppm

Since 2007, Benromach has regularly released peated and vintage versions of its distillate.

Let's Taste It : 

Very floury peat, almost suffocating smoke. A whiff of lemon. It smells of the countryside, the real one, animals rolling around in the grass, hay that's a little dry, slush, a hint of dung. Over time, the white fruits come out a bit more. On the palate, vanilla, coarse salt, smoked herring, the very dry hay is still there, someone has probably just set it on fire. Again some white fruits, which we still find in the finish, which is rather long and fruity, surprising, it contrasts with the rest. It ends on a woody note.

 

In Short, 

It's not bad, in fact it's interesting, a good alternative to Islay with this very country peat. However, the value for money is not very convincing. 

Score : 83

                                            To Be Listened While Sipping : 

                                           Midnight Oil - Beds Are Burning

Benromach 15 yo

43°

Distillery : Benromach - Speyside

Bourbon and Sherry Casks

Original Bottling

Core Range

Single Malt

Launched in 2015

Peated around 12 ppm

This is the prestige edition from the Benromach distillery.

Lets Taste It : 

Fine and delicate smoke, nose more inclined towards bourbon, greengage, citrus fruit, braised vanilla. A bit rural, even pastoral. Cooked vegetables, carrots, beans and leeks. On the palate, white fruits, grapes, pears and plums, coarse salt, vanilla with a hint of sweetness, lychee, mango. Tangy apple, a trace of lemonade, sparkling spices, long and very sweet finish, floral notes, jasmine, honeysuckle, vanilla bean, soya milk, slight woodiness.

 

In Short, 

It's not bad at all, and if you can find one at a reasonable price, don't hesitate. 

Score : 86

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping :

  

                                           R.E.M. - Losing My Religion