Benromach Contrasts: Double Matured Bordeaux Wine Cask Finish 2011 70 cl. 46%

Benromach Distillery in Speyside has launched the latest addition to its Contrasts range – a 12-year-old double matured limited release which has been matured in both first-fill bourbon and Bordeaux wine casks to create an imaginative twist on the signature Benromach style.

This whisky started out in first-fill bourbon barrels before a final five years maturation in Bordeaux red wine casks, creating delicate honey and floral notes, with zesty tangerine, dark forest fruits and toasted oak flavours on the palate. A medium-bodied finish is complemented by Benromach’s signature soft peat smoke.

Keith Cruickshank, Distillery Manager at Benromach, said: “Creating the newest Benromach Contrasts release has been a very exciting project – allowing us to add another intriguing whisky to our range.

“Double maturing this whisky in both bourbon and Bordeaux wine casks has helped create an interesting depth of flavour, balancing both sweet and fruity notes with our signature soft smoke brought about by our lightly peated malt. It has also influenced the colour of the whisky itself, producing a much darker, richer dram.

“There’s a very limited number of bottles available for purchase. We expect this whisky to be a popular dram so urge those looking to sample the whisky to be quick to secure their bottle.”

Official Tasting Notes

Nose: Subtle hints of rose followed by honey and ripe red fruits.

Taste: Smooth and sweet with flavours of zesty tangerine and dark forest fruits are balanced by toasted oak.

Finish: Medium-bodied and fruity finish underpinned by subtle peat smoke.