.benromach - 1974

In 1974, I was only one - or maybe not even that, and had never heard of whisky when this Benromach was distilled in Forres, in the north of the Speyside Region in Scotland. Since that one day, the spirit was laid down in an ex-Sherry butt, and during the 41 years that followed, this did not change until the current owners from Gordon & Macphail decided to dust off the cask and see what it has done to the spirit.

49.1% abv, €1200
single malt

Nose: sweet, toffee, floral, roses, honeysuckle, honey, fruit, juicy brambles, mango, pear, citrus, blood orange, a touch of wood, pencil shavings, a hint of fresh mint

Palate: sweet, creamy honey, juicy brambles, very ripe cherries, exotic fruit, mango, pineapple, ripe sweet pears, caramelised apples, a touch of wood shavings

Finish: sweet, honey, slightly dry, long, a clear touch of smoke
Mark: ++++/+

Conclusion: Truly a beauty. Only 41 years young, and fully matured in an ex-Sherry butt. I am pretty sure it has been a refill butt, because there are not many of the characteristic ex-Sherry notes present (to me). There is no way in hell I would pay €1200 for any whisky, but if I had to pick one, this would be high on the wish list.

More info: distilled in 1974, matured in Sherry butt # 1583, bottled into 452 bottles in 2016

.many thanks to Gordon & Macphail and Benromach for this beautiful sample