Benromach Unveils Yet Another Sassicaia Wood Finish Whisky

by Nino Kilgore-Marchetti
April 8, 2016

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The Scotch whisky distillery Benromach seems to feel it has a good thing on its hands in the form of some former Sassicaia wine casks from Bolgheri, Tuscany. From these barrels, it has unveiled its latest wood finish expression, the Benromach Sassicaia Wood Finish 2007.

Benromach Sassicaia Wood Finish 2007 follows on the heels of previous releases finished in cask styles other than what they were primarily aged in, including Wood Finishes Benromach Hermitage 2005, Benromach Sassicaia 2006, and Château Cissac 2006. For this new bottling, the spirit was distilled in 2007 and initially matured in first-fill bourbon barrels before being finished in the former Italian wine barrels.

“Here at Benromach we have an esteemed portfolio of single malt whisky,” said Benromach Distillery Manager Keith Cruickshank in a statement. “Our Wood Finish expressions allow us the opportunity to provide our customers with a special malt which is full of character, thanks to the final maturation period in casks from distinguished wine regions.”

With the influence from these special barrels, this new Scotch, bottled at 45% ABV, is said to sport a deep ruby red color. Its taste profile includes “notes of ripe berries, milk chocolate drops, and hints of ginger and cinnamon, complemented by a subtle sense of smoke.”

“The final finishing period in Sassicaia wine casks allows for an exceptional flavour profile to develop, full of summer fruits and soft spice,” said Cruickshank. “Fans of our Benromach 10 Years Old and 15 Years Old, which display the classic character of pre-1960’s Speyside single malt, will enjoy the chance to experience our whisky in a different way.”

Benromach is making the Sassicaia Wood Finish 2007 a limited release, with only 3,500 bottles being released worldwide at a price point of about £41, or around $60 USD.

The distillery, for the unfamiliar, was originally built in 1898 before later being “revived” by Gordon & MacPhail after purchasing it in 1993. It was “extensively re-equipped over a five-year period to create a Speyside single malt whisky in a classic pre 1960s style.”