Benromach, 10 year old, 43%, $50
The first 10 year old release containing whisky produced entirely by the new owners. I love the interplay here between the malt, sherry and smoke, with all getting a chance to shine. A rich vanilla-tinged malty foundation, deep caramel, rhum agricole, an array of lush fruit, dark chocolate, along with grassy/hay note, honeysuckle, subtle spice (cinnamon, anise) and lingering earthy smoke. A vast improvement from the “Origins” release last year. I would only make two changes to make this whisky even better (and elevate to 90+ status): a couple more years on oak, and bottling at 46% and not chill-filtered. Still, this one of the best efforts from this distillery. Well done!
Advanced Malt Advocate magazine rating: 88
Wow, John, you make this sound wonderful. I just tasted the Organic last week and thought it better than your low 70′s rating so I can’t wait to try this one. And this at a great price, too.
Can’t wait to taste this.
Red, Two-bit, it’s a treat, that’s for sure.
[...] Hansell is liking the new Benromach 10, and he also takes time to review the first release of Kilchoman, calling it [...]
I really liked the “Traditional”. Amazingly fresh, malty and with a good,long,peppery finish. If a 5,5 year-old could be this good i really was looking forward to a fully matured 10-12 yo. So, now it´s here. And even avilable at “Systembolaget”(where you by your whisky in Sweden) at a fair price.
This is delightful. I’m really keen to try the Benromach 9yo Sherry as well. Your review is spot on, although I’d put this around 90 myself. But my tastes run less to more oak… really this was a fantastic find, and it’s LESS than $50 at my local scotchmonger!