The Benromach Distillery in Scotland has unveiled for fans of its whisky brand two new expressions which are each finished in unique ex-wine casks. They looks to be more regular offerings in the line up, as opposed to some limited edition predecessors released last year.
The first bottling, Benromach Sassicaia, was distilled in 2006 and then aged in first fill bourbon barrels before being finished for 18 months in former Sassicaia wine casks from Bolgheri, Tuscany. The results of exposure to these Italian wine barrels are shown in the deep, ruby red colored expression that is 45% ABV. Official tasting notes for this Scotch indicate
red berries lead on the nose followed by hints of ginger and cinnamon, complemented by a subtle smoky finish. This leads directly on to flavours of pepper on the palate which give way to ripe fruit flavours, with notes of chocolate, followed by a subtle smoky edge.
The new 45% ABV Benromach Hermitage, meanwhile, was distilled in 2005 before also being matured in first fill bourbon barrels. It also saw the same amount of finishing time in ex-wine casks, this time heralding from the Hermitage Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée, in the northern Rhône region of France. That time in those casks resulted in a tasting profile with
aromas of sweet summer fruits, zesty lemon and lime lead on the nose, followed by a touch of vanilla and cinnamon, underlined by peat smoke with a peppermint edge. A sweet, fruity dram, flavours of succulent dark cherry and orange combine with creamy milk chocolate with a gentle smoky edge and a long, fruity finish.
Both releases are expected to price around £40, or about $60 USD. You can hunt for a bottle of the Sassicaia finish for sale online here and the Hermitage here.
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