Benromach 15 (2026) - 43%

From the Benromach website

Our most awarded whisky, Benromach 15 Year Old is often referred to as our "Classic" single malt and is one of our bestsellers. A perfect dance between the cask influences and the subtle smoke characteristics.

After aging in exclusively first-fill sherry and bourbon casks for 15 years, Benromach 15 Year Old delivers cracked pepper, charred oak, apples, dark chocolate and forest fruits flavours with rich sherry notes and a touch of smoke.

Tasting Notes:

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

Nose: Dried fruit, hedgerow berries, vanilla, caramel sauce, and a subtle hint of bonfire smoke

Palate: Medium bodied and slightly drying. Dried fruit, fruits of the forest, baked apples, dark chocolate enrobed caramel toffees, charred pineapple, mild oak tannins, subtle smoke, baking spices and a prickle of cracked black pepper

Finish: The fruit and caramel notes gradually disappear to leave woody oak, black pepper and gentle bonfire smoke linger

Summary: A really enjoyable, well balanced whisky with more than enough complexity to keep me interested. The sherry influence really makes its presence felt without dominating, and that characteristic Benromach soft peat smoke really helps extend the finish and round things off beautifully. Current price is around £80, a little pricey but typical in the current market for a 15 year old whisky.

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

Transparency: Received free of charge for independent review, all opinions are my own and remain completely impartial.