Speyside Single Malt
Benromach 15-Year-Old Whisky
Today’s drum sampling reveals Benromach 15 as a whisky worth trying for those who haven’t had the chance to experience it yet. The 15-year-old spirit has been finished in a selection of bourbon and sherry casks and comes with an ABV of 43%.
Colour: golden autumn
Legs and Viscosity
The first thing to observe about the Benromach 15 whisky is its legs in the glass. It is not particularly oily or thick, but is rather viscous, which is quite pleasing.
Nose Profile
The nose of Benromach 15 is overwhelmingly floral, reminiscent of being in a florist. On top of its flowery aroma, there’s a subtle bite that teases the nose. The scent also presents notes of apples and darker fruits, creating a truly enticing aroma.
Palate Experience
Upon tasting, the whisky presents a pleasant mouthfeel that coats the mouth well. It boasts a notable spiciness, with ginger, black pepper, and then a hint of mint making an appearance.
The flavour then shifts to a darker, stone fruit character, with hints of prunes and plums. The smoke present in the taste is more akin to barrel char rather than the heavy smoke of a peated whisky.
Balance and Finish
One of the standout features of Benromach 15 is its balance; the whisky’s maturation in bourbon and sherry casks creates an intense flavour that is also well-balanced. As the drink progresses, plum flavours become more dominant, with hints of citrus and dark chocolate reminiscent of Bourneville dark chocolate.
The finish leaves a pleasant warmth and the whisky’s harmonious nature means there are no clashing flavours, making this a genuinely enjoyable drink. A really harmonic and well-balanced dram with a finish that is long and coats your throat.
Exploring with Water
Adding a dash of water to the Benromach 15 reveals more nuances in the flavour profile. Ginger and cinnamon become more prominent, with the hint of smoke becoming even more noticeable. There’s also an added sweetness, similar to light short bread.
It’s clear from this tasting that Benromach 15 is a very impressive whisky, and as my first experience of the brand, it certainly won’t my last. If you haven’t experienced this elegant, well-balanced dram, it’s worth giving it a try.
Slainje!