The Contrasts range from Benromach presented a series of whiskies matured in cask types that are uncommon for the distillery. Our favourites so far were Peat Smoke Sherry and the Air Dried / Kiln Dried combo.
Now they add a 10-year-old single malt matured in Virgin American Oak casks.
I understand virgin oak is an interesting flavour variation in a series that focuses on contrasts. On the other hand I have the impression they use it a bit too often. Contrasts: Organic was also matured in virgin oak, and the Kiln dried / Air dried combo had this as the first maturation as well.
Benromach Contrasts: Virgin Oak 10 yo (46%, OB 2024)
Nose: quite sweet, with easy vanilla and hints of coconut. Some citrus zest, green banana and green apple. Fresh oak shavings. Then a hint of ginger biscuits and white pepper. In the background there’s also the old-school mineral side of the 10 Year Old, with some grassy herbs and a wee hint of gravel dust.
Mouth: woody notes are fairly strong, but they are balanced by hints of caramel and vanilla sweetness, as well as herbs. White pepper, citrus and butterscotch. Towards the end I’m getting light coffee and the subtle bitterness of Seville orange. Whiffs of smoke in the distance.
Finish: quite long, spicy, with fresh lemon notes and butterscotch.
Is this my favourite Contrasts expression? No. That said, the new oak isn’t overdone and the end result is simply a very quaffable whisky. Now available from the Benromach online shop.