Benromach Contrasts Organic - 46%
First established in 1898 in Forres, Benromach is a traditional Speyside distillery, acquired in 1993 by Gordon & MacPhail and reopened in 1998 following a period of extensive refitting.
The mission of the owners is to keep things simple and, in doing so, produce single malt whisky which not only imparts character but also pays tribute to old Speyside traditions. Casks are all hand-filled and maturation is in traditional dunnage warehouses. The belief at Benromach is that making whisky by hand is the best way to guarantee genuine character in the finished product.
Matured exclusively in first-fill casks, Benromach single malts share a subtle smoky character. They use locally grown Scottish barley, malted with a little peat smoke to recall the old Speyside tradition of topping up fires with peat as coal levels began to run low.
From the distillery website
The world’s first certified organic single malt whisky since 2006. UK Soil Association accredited from start to finish, Benromach Organic is matured in Virgin American Oak and gives sweet, malty notes with creamy pepper, banana, coffee and cocoa flavours.
Tasting Notes:
Appearance: Old gold, medium bodied, forms a thin line which falls as slow, thin legs.
Nose: Tropical fruit particularly pineapple, Demerara sugar, vanilla, caramel.
Palate: Vanilla, pineapple, tropical fruit, mild citrus, hint of mocha, coconut. Water brings out more milk chocolate and coffee.
Finish: Caramel, cinnamon and chilli spice.
Summary: Quite complex, plenty of cask influence in addition to the sweet, tropical fruitiness. Addition of water adds delicious creamy mocha notes and mouthfeel. This is one of those dangerous whiskies in which you could easily overindulge. Currently well priced at £46.
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.
