That is the second (restyled) batch of the Benromach 40 12 months Previous. Final 12 months’s launch was fairly wonderful and the 2022 launch is following the identical recipe of sherry casks.
At first sight at the least. Upon nearer investigation a couple of delicate adjustments are noticeable. Now they go for a blanket assertion of sherry whereas it was narrowed all the way down to first fill Oloroso. Additionally the classic assertion disappeared and the retail value noticed a 30% enhance. Let’s simply hope the standard remained on the identical stage…
After all that is nonetheless ‘Diageo’ distillate (fully unpeated). The distillery went silent in 1993 and Gordon & MacPhail restarted manufacturing in 1998.
Benromach 40 yo (57,6, OB 2022, sherry casks, 1132 btl.)
Nostril: all on dried fruits like dates, figs and raisins, with caramel cinnamon dusting and many tobacco leaves. This has a really wealthy ‘herb store’ high quality. Some candied ginger. Later baked bananas and blackberry syrup come out. Polished furnishings builds alongside brass polish and low ganache. Some rancio notes as properly, reminding me of previous cognac.
Mouth: fairly punchy, with extra tobacco leaves, walnut muffins and leathery notes. Then hints of cherries and cranberries, with chocolate and minty notes. I’ve the impression the feel is thicker than final 12 months. Fragrant peppercorns. Hints of marmalade and natural tea in direction of the tip, in addition to hints of liquorice.
End: lengthy, with a fruitcake flavour, extra marmalade and cocoa. Tobacco stays robust. Hints of natural tea within the very finish.
Really marvelous stuff with an enormous physique but in addition a chic, completely polished sherry fashion. Particularly the tobacco notes and sourish fruity notes make this a whisky to cherish. Even some extent up from final 12 months. Out there from Benromach direct (UK / USA solely) and from The Whisky Trade or TyndrumWhisky as an example.
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