Delicate sweetness with hints of white pepper, dried tobacco and dark cocoa lead to a rich, smooth, smoky finish.
Triple distillation is rare at Scottish distilleries, but this Benromach is far from a novelty bottle. The process creates smoother, lighter whiskies and these characteristics are accompanied by delectable aromas of strawberry, sweet vanilla and elderflower. This is followed by creamy malt, lime zest, more vanilla and rich smokiness on the tongue, accompanied by a touch of pepper.
Back in 2007, before wood finishes were all the rage, Benromach stepped up to the invention plate and played around with the idea. It chose to use specialty wine casks from Tuscany which previously held Sassicaia wine, into which the whisky was placed for 29 months. This version was a sweet, sticky whisky that had the ability to hit the back of my throat with its sugariness on first sniff. There were notes of sticky toffee, pear, green apple and smoked cedar woodchips for me after that. On the mouth, I picks up caramel and honey, before it shifted discreetly onto a touch of medicinal smoke before finishing off on sweet cigar smoke flavour and licorice. And intriguing whisky to try, for sure.
Pour yourself a dram of Benromach 15 Years Old. Lift it to the light and note the especially golden amber colour, thanks to the long maturation in sherry and bourbon casks. Now swill it around your glass and take a few little inhalations to savour the AROMA WITHOUT WATER… there’s a lot going on… beautifully balanced sherry aromas with vanilla pod, zesty orange and spicy ginger complemented by delicate chamomile and menthol notes. Now sip your dram, roll the whisky around your mouth and enjoy the TASTE WITHOUT WATER… there’s luscious, rich fruit cake with stewed plum, red apple skin and the sharp edge of kiwi fruit. Next, take in the AROMA WITH WATER… the whisky shifts into another gear with subtle hints of cocoa, nutmeg and cinnamon giving way to sweet honey notes and hints of bonfire embers. Add a drop or two of water to release the full TASTE WITH WATER… it’s a very satisfying palate with traces of charred oak complementing sweet tangerine, plum and nectarines… completed by a gorgeous touch of milk chocolate.