Benromach Distillery has released a 22-year-old whisky in collaboration with German independent bottler Wu Dram Clan, marking the Speyside distillery’s first partnership with an external bottler. The limited edition expression combines four casks – two first-fill sherry and two first-fill bourbon barrels – creating a small batch release that blends tropical fruit notes with dark sherry richness and subtle smokiness.
The collaboration originated when Wu Dram Clan visited Benromach’s Forres distillery to select a single cask. Instead of choosing one barrel, the team identified four exceptional casks that complemented each other.
The two first-fill sherry casks contribute what the brand describes as “creamy, dark, nutty notes reminiscent of legendary Benromach bottlings from past decades.”
The bourbon barrels add tropical characteristics including mango, papaya and coconut flavors, alongside smoky and saline elements.
Gordon Muir, head of sales at Benromach, said: “It was a real pleasure working alongside the Wu Dram Clan on something as unique as this. Choosing a single cask always takes a fair bit of intuition – you want it to stand out and still speak of Benromach’s character.”
He added: “But bringing together four casks, that’s a different kind of craftsmanship altogether. It’s a bit like composing music – every note needs to find its place.”
The official tasting notes from the brand describe the whisky as having a creamy, almost oily texture with aromas of candied fruits, dark malt, nutty sherry tones, subtle smoke, salt and minerality.
Sebastian Jäger, co-founder of Wu Dram Clan, commented: “Working with Benromach was a dream come true for us. The cask selection was simply too exciting to narrow down to one.”
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He continued: “This batch combines the best of two cask worlds – it’s the kind of whisky you can only dream of.”
The Benromach 22 Year Old Wu Dram Clan Exclusive represents a significant milestone for the traditional Speyside distillery.
The expression arrives in custom packaging featuring Wu Dram Clan’s distinctive design aesthetic. It is currently available in mainland Europe, with extremely limited UK availability slated to begin soon.
