Benromach is on a roll: the new Benromach 10 Years, the 100° Proof, recently also two wood finishes (Château Cissac and Hermitage) and now Benromach 5 Years.
Although it is not mentioned on the website (yet), this is said to replace the old Benromach Traditional which was roughly the same age. So far I’ve only seen it on sale in Germany and The Netherlands, maybe other markets will follow?
Like its older brother, Benromach 5 Year Old is a mix of 80% bourbon and 20% sherry casks.
It would be interesting to find out how the market reacts to such a young whisky. These days even premium releases are NAS, so Benromach is certainly going against the flow by mentioning the age in this case. I guess most distilleries would be scared because it’s uncommonly young? It reminds us of the Glen Grant 5yo that used to be famous in the 1960’s and 1970’s.
Benromach 5 yo (40%, OB 2014)
Benromach 5 yo (40%, OB 2014)Nose: light and lemony, but with the same interesting old-style notes as the 10yo. Some dusty grains and hay. Very soft mineral / earthy / ashy notes. Hints of honey and bright white fruits as well. A light touch of peat in the background.
Mouth: light but not exactly underpowered. Fairly sweet at first, really malty with lots of oily notes. Again a nice hint of peat smoke. Liquorice, some peppery wood, soft grassy notes. Soft nutty notes ans vanilla. Young but certainly not without character. Hints of roasted coffee in the aftertaste.
Finish: long, dry, with almonds and very soft herbal notes. Echoes of charred oak.
It’s easy to notice the similarities between the Benromach 5yo and the 10yo. This is the same style of unconventional Speyside whisky. Very interesting, but the 10yo is only a few euros extra. Around € 30.
Score: 85/100