The new Benromach 21 Years was launched late 2020. It’s the oldest expression composed primarily with spirit distilled after the re-opening by Gordon & MacPhail. as a combination of first-fill sherry and bourbon casks.
Now we can’t deny there’s always a slight disappointment when a new expression is bottled at 43% ABV…
Benromach 21 yo (43%, OB +/- 2020)
Nose: fairly sherried, in a fairly modern way. Plums and red apples, sultanas and mulled wine. Then some orange peel, ginger, musty tobacco leaves, worn leather and a wee sourness of sherry vinegar. Nutmeg and blackberries. There’s a hint of matchsticks as well, which is not the same and not as nice as the smoky note I get from the classic Benromach 10 Years for instance.
Mouth: certainly not as weak as I feared, but it continues on this particularly winey style, I would probably have guessed Port influence or red wine barriques, rather than sherry. Fudge, figs and a little chocolate. A quirky mix of sweet, sour and umami notes. Then cloves, Seville oranges and a hint of salty liquorice. Hardly smoky now, instead more leafy touches, dried cranberries, leather and ginger.
Finish: medium length, with more bitter oranges, drying wood spice and a salty edge.
Not exactly a classic Benromach (as we know them today), with all these umami notes and a good dose of wine in the mix. Available from The Whisky Exchange for instance, or cheaper from TyndrumWhisky, and others.