Benromach Traditional

After the pleasant surprise that was the new Benromach 10 Year Old, I have to say I became interested to try other expressions. This entry-level Benromach Traditional was the first new bottling after the distillery was re-opened in 1998 after a 15-year break. Traditional is a mix of 80% bourbon casks and 20% sherry.

This has now been replaced with the Benromach 5 Year Old

Benromach Traditional
(40%, OB +/- 2014)

Nose: lighter and less characteristic than the 10. Surprisingly grainy and gristy. Dried grass, dusty books. The lightest touch of peat. Lemon oil. Some acacia honey in the background. Hints of green banana skin too.

Mouth: sweet and malty, not very bold. Neutral sugared cereals, a bit of vanilla, caramel and liquorice root.

Finish: not too long, malty, citrusy and lightly smoky.

This is not bad whisky, but it’s slightly bland and therefore a typical entry-level whisky. So far away from the uniqueness of Benromach 10 Year Old – I wouldn’t trade 10 bottles of Traditional for one Ten. Around € 30.

Score: 77/100