Benromach Contrasts: Peat Smoke 46% NV

Professional reviews

Words of Whisky (89)

:

If you’re a fan of the 2010 vintage, you can safely buy the new release, which is just as good even at a lower abv.
Nose
Sauerkraut at first, but then it becomes much more reminiscent of the previous batch. Dry with a proper amount of red fruits, as well charred meat with smoked paprika powder, but also creosote and a some rubber.
Taste
Proper oily mouthfeel followed by earthy smoke, aniseed and charcoal, as well as dried tangerine peel, tobacco and honey-glazed peanuts. Whiff of cloves and pepper too. It’s slightly dirty, but I like it.
Finish
A whiff of chocolate, just a hint of rubber matches and port-stewed pears.

BOW (89)

Serge Valentin (83)

This Benromach could be from the Lowlands or Ireland, in a manner of speaking. But you might say that even in those two places, triple-distillation itself is becoming rarer. This interesting Benromach has been through the spirit-still twice before being aged in first-fill bourbon casks. We had tasted the 2009/2017 edition, and it was quite good (WF 84). Colour: pale gold. Nose: the chalky aspect of Benromach remains, as does the porridge, virgin wool, fresh bread, damp earth, ink... It's somewhat like a slightly lighter Benromach. Mouth: it's really good, with peat that becomes delicate, lemon and green apple, that vanilla from the cask, a bit of green apple liqueur (a Spanish specialty)... Finish: medium length, more lemony. A bit of green tea, sweet pepper... Light smoke at the end. Comments: we wouldn't call it 'Benromach Light', but the standard 10 and 15 year olds, as well as the last vintage ex-bourbon ones were so stellar that by comparison, let's say this one might be a little more 'optional'.