Benromach Contrasts: Peat Smoke Sherry Cask Matured
46% ABV - Speyside, Scotland
Nose: Here we go—a real sweet n’ peater of a whisky! Plum, cherry and heavy smoke. Light spices, dried fruits, and orange caramel.
Taste: Red fruit juices with a beach bonfire and black tea with citru poured over malted barley..
Finish: Medium-long smoke, vanilla, red fruit, and red wine tannins.
I feel like this edition is the best of the Benromach Contrasts expressions or lineup that I’ve tasted. The other were the regular Peat Smoke and an Organic Barley. There is a Cara Gold that recently came out but I haven’t had the opportunity yet—that name keeps reminding me of the Cara cara navel orange.
Regardless of which Contrasts is the best, these whiskies are a great bet for approximately $100CAD. It’s a great value whisky, even if it isn’t "The Best". I wasn’t going to stock up, but if there was another bottle when I finished this one then I likely replace… but I have no qualms with searching for a different delicious dram.
And, I’ve gotta say, the "ginger aromas" from the notes printed on the bottle is dang accurate. I didn’t think to say ginger but that is one of those tasting notes that you hear suggested and instantly it rings true!
Details: Distilled 2012 and Bottled 2021. Phenol level: 55ppm.
Tasting Notes (Official): Aged in first-fill sherry hogshead casks and offers cinnamon and ginger aromas with rich dark chocolate and red berry flavours, finishing with peat smoke and sweetness.
Tasted 16 February 2023. (Posted 29 October 2023.)
