Most whisky makers would love to switch places with Benromach, Having such a great 10 year old expression, they are having a hard time outdoing this expression, but they keep trying, mostly with wine finishes which are quite good, but not AS god as the basic 10, IMHO. There’s a new one now following the lovely 2007 Sassicaia finish : the 2009 vintage. as before the whisky has been aged in in first-fill bourbon barrels before being finished for 28 months in wine casks from the Bolgheri region in Tuscany, Italy. Wine casks, usually add a fruity touch to whisky, and we’re expecting some fruity notes in this edition as well. Not a lot of bottles in this batch (just under 8,000) Let’s have a sip, shall we?
Benromach Sassicaia 2009 , 45%, OB 2017 , £38.99
Nose: Red fruit and berries, floating in sweet smoky 
, then some cinnamon and spice, followed by Brown sugar, overripe oranges, maybe some orange marmalade. Reminds me of the 10 yo with the fruity wine additions.
, then some cinnamon and spice, followed by Brown sugar, overripe oranges, maybe some orange marmalade. Reminds me of the 10 yo with the fruity wine additions.Palate : Sweet smoky berries, a touch of strawberry meringue, cinnamon pepper and ginger. Some leather and cocoa. Hints of licorice and thyme blueberry jam and clove.
Finish : wine Tannins, smoke and earthy peat, Pepper and ash.
Again, this is a lovely whisky, which builds on the 10 year old DNA, adding the fruity notes, with a toned down smoky profile, some would appreciate. It’s not wine-sky in case you’re not a fan of fine finished whisky, which is a good thing. I still believe the 10 year old is slightly better, having tasted it H2H with this one, it’s still an absolutely cracking whisky, even in current batches. Hard to beat. If you’re a fan of the old style whisky Benromach is making and looking for some variety , this one is for you.