Benromach Contrasts Peat Smoke Sherry Cask Matured - 46%

 

From the distillery 

Aged exclusively in first-fill sherry hogshead casks and produced in very small batches, using barley malted with high levels of peat smoke at 55ppm. 
Offering cinnamon and ginger aromas with rich dark chocolate and red berry flavours, finishing with peat smoke and sweetness. 

Tasting Notes:

Appearance: Old gold, forms a thin line which falls as slow, thin legs.

Nose: Woody, slightly herbal peat smoke, almost medicinal. 

Palate: Rich dried fruit, dark chocolate, red berries, malt biscuits and baking spices.

Finish: Dried fruit gradually gives way to rich peat smoke and ginger spice.

Summary: Heavily peated to 55ppm and matured in first-fill Sherry casks makes for a whisky which is designed to make a strong statement. This is a lovely well balanced whisky, rich, smoky and full of sherry notes. Don’t expect either a sherry bomb or a peat monster though, this is a whisky which marries both influences and brings the best of both worlds. 

This was my favourite from a selection of high quality drams. Currently priced under £50, it’s also excellent value and goes to show you can find great whisky without having to spend a fortune.

This sample was part of a 5 dram tasting pack, purchased from The Spirits Embassy and used for a tasting session with Distillery Manager, Keith Cruickshank.

If you would like more information on this whisky, or the Benromach distillery, follow the link to the company website.