
Benromach 10 years old 100 Proof was first released in 2014 and is part of the distillery's core range. Its maturation regime is as follows: 80% in ex-bourbon barrels and 20% in ex-sherry hogsheads, with the last year getting married in first-fill Oloroso sherry casks. My bottle is dated 30 September 2014.
The nose is rich and lush and begins with vanilla and a thick layer of dark fruits: overripe plums, oranges and cherries, together with notes of marzipan. Then notes of wax and leather come to the fore, followed by hints of coffee and cinnamon. Absolutely gorgeous!
The palate is medium-bodied and spicy. The first flavour I get is subtle smoke, then more vanilla and oranges, followed by balsamic vinegar and a touch of grass. Cinnamon and caramel flavours develop later on.
The finish is long and warming, rather dry and dusty. Light sherry notes are accompanied by oranges and a hint of chocolate.
I am truly astonished! Given the tender age of 10 years I was not prepared for the multifaceted and intricate flavour profile of this whisky. This is interesting and delicious at the same time, and in a blind tasting I would have guessed this at between 15 and 20 years of age. One of my highlights this year and a permanent fixture of my whisky cabinet with immediate effect!
@Victor This became a must-have whisky when @Maltactivist posted his review and video a couple of years ago. It wasn't available in Canada at the time but sometime later my brother was passing through UK so he and his wife muled a couple of bottles over and the a friend later found a bottle in Nova Scotia.
If I had a limitless storage area (and funds) I would have a case of this in reserve. It's that good.
Great review. Truly astonishing indeed! This whisky has quickly become one of my favorite drams of all-time. It checks so many boxes (even the bourbon boxes!) and with such balance! With every pour of this juice, I am truly amazed at what G&M have produced, especially at such a tender age statement. Adding water, little by little, throughout the dram will change the character and amplify the experience tenfold; it takes water VERY well! I plan on purchasing 2-3 more bottles with my quarterly bonus this year.