Hello, old friend! It’s been a while since we had a proper get-together. Last time I really sat down and spend some time with you was during a blind date. I can honestly say it’s really good to see you again, Benromach 10 Years Old.
My love for Benromach is well documented. Last year I hosted a tasting with a plethora of older Benromach, all from before the distillery was mothballed in 1983. I also reviewed them in my Benromach Extravaganza. Those were some fun weeks. But it also made me somewhat forget why I fell in love with Benromach in the first place.
Since its re-opening in 1998 under current owners Gordon & MacPhail, the popularity of Benromach shows a continuous upward trend. And that’s all to do with the wonderful spirit being distilled under the guidance of Keith Cruickshank. The main evidence of that being this highly touted Benromach 10 Years Old.
Benromach 10 Years Old (43%, OB, 2017)
Nose: Such a recognizable an yummy nose, they really know what they’re doing over there in Forres. Plenty of sherry influence. Some oranges, shoe polish and soy. A whiff of barbecue smoke and mild notes of praline.
Taste: A subtle smokiness, some light peat and leather and a hint of cigar ashes. Cured meat, bitter oranges, tobacco and a hint of chocolate. All the while the mouthfeel is rich and oily. Fuck, I knew this was good, but this is really blowing me away now.
Finish: Light peat smoke and some sweet sherry. Medium in length.
Rating: 89
Is it me or is the Benromach 10 getting tastier with every batch? Not just complex and developed for an entry-level whisky, but complex and developed. Period. Incredibly impressive and proof that affordable whisky can still equal really, really good whisky.
