benromach 2003 21 years 45 whiskybase review

Benromach 2003 21 Years Cask #45 (Whiskybase)

Here’s a bottle I deliberately didn’t buy when it was released earlier this year. This Benromach 2003 21 Years is perfect for me on paper. It’s just that the timing wasn’t quite right.

Longtime readers will know about my penchant for Benromach. It has been and remains one of my favourite distilleries in Scotland. Reopened in 1998, these days single casks older than 20 years regularly hit the market. The distillery truly has left its teenage years behind. Adulthood suits Benromach.

The Benromach 2003 21 Years Cask #45 was bottled for Whiskybase (a sister cask of this German release). Usually I would have snapped up a bottle, but… I don’t know. There are times when I don’t think twice about spending a ridiculous amount on whisky. (The curse of being a whisky geek.)

benromach distillery

This wasn’t one of those times. I had already been on a bit of a spending spree. Like I said, the timing of this Benromach was off. But having not bought it kept nagging at me. That sounds stupid, but I’m sure many of you can relate. I’m always looking for the next transcendent whisky experience, as I’m sure lots of whisky enthusiasts are. What if this Benromach would’ve been such an experience?

When I recently placed an order at Whiskybase, they surprised me with a complimentary sample of their Benromach. I was happy at first, but also hesitant. Glad to have the opportunity to taste it at last, but strangely afraid to like it too much.

benromach 2003 21 years 45 whiskybase

Benromach 2003 21 Years (57.4%, OB for Whiskybase, C#45)

Nose: All the elegance you’d expect from a mature Benromach. The (bonfire) smoke we know from younger expressions is still there, but subtler. It makes place for hessian, melted butter, waxes and a tinge of citrus fruits as well as some tropical notes. It’s modestly farmy, somewhat malty, but there’s a tinge of mint leaves too and the leafiness is very agreeable.
Taste: Good oily mouthfeel, which is only enhanced after adding water. Rather classic Benromach – almost truly old-school. The wood smoke is slightly more prominent now, while there’s also a few wood spices upon arrival. Even close to medicinal. Then minerals, herbal teas, camphor and waxes too. More honeyed with water. Chocolate notes appear as well.
Finish: Long. The fatty, greasy mouthfeel remains. More of the above.

Conclusion
It might not be at the same level as the German sister cask, but it is downright delicious in itself. Also, it would not surprise me if this develops very well in the bottle. Either after opening or when you stash it in your cellar for a few decades. Wouldn't surprise me in the least.
9

Photo: Whiskybase

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