Benromach Cask Strength is more or less a 10 year-old at natural strength. It is aged in ex-bourbon and Oloroso sherry casks. We’re trying the 2009 vintage Batch 4, which is the first to be released in the new bottle and new identity.
Did you know the red cap symbolises the distillery’s iconic chimney?
Benromach Cask Strength – Vintage 2009 (57,2%, OB 2020, Batch #4)
Nose: oak spice from the sherry casks (clove, black pepper, cinnamon) coupled with orange peels and growing hints of dark chocolate. Hints of linseed oil and toasted nuts, as well as ashy notes and forest floor.
Mouth: powerful of course, but very rich. There’s a hint of peppery malt, poached pears, as well as plums and blackcurrants. Cinnamon and clove again. Brown sugar. Earthy peat mixes nicely with the peppery spirit, mixing with orange peel, ash and hints of oak char.
Finish: long, still quite peppery, with echoes of red fruits and sweet smoke.
Good, slightly better than how I remember the 2008 vintage. Still I think this old-style spirit works better at a more gentle strength. Available from The Whisky Exchange or Master of Malt among others.