The Malt Cask

  Today, I bring you something special: the second annual release of the Benromach 40-year-old single malt. This is an annual release of just over 1,000 bottles, and the first one was awarded ‘Best in Show’ at the 2022 San Francisco World Spirits Competition. As I mentioned in previous posts, I am a big fan of Benromach releases and having the opportunity to try their 40-year-old is an absolute privilege! So, let’s pour it and savour every drop… The whisky was matured for 40 years in the finest sherry casks. It is dark amber and natural in colour, non-chill filtered and bottled at the cask strength of 57.6% ABV. My tasting notes: Nose: Oak and citrus, with orange, old bookcase and oak spice. It is fruity too with some ripe yellow peach, honey, apple and cinnamon compote, mango, dried fruits, raisins and a drop of lime. There is also a gentle earthiness and slight smoke, tobacco leaves / cigar, vanilla, hints of walnut, ginger and wood polish. Even at 57.6%, the alcohol is very well int

www.lochfynewhiskies.com Distillery : Fettercairn Bottler : The Loch Fyne Whisky Age : 24 years old Distilled : n/a Bottled : 2022 Cask : Ex-bourbon hogshead until 02/2020 followed by first-fill Sauternes cask Abv : 53.6% Unchillfiltered : Yes Natural Colour : Yes Nb of bottles : n/a Extra : n/a My tasting notes: Nose:  Sweet, oaky and fruity, with peaches, almonds, ripe bananas, vanilla, oak spice, slight fudge, milk and white chocolate, fresh barley and some hints of lemon and dry straw. Palate:  Not at all like I was anticipating from the nose! Nutty and spicy, with some old oak, roasted pistachio nuts, toasted cereal, dark chocolate, espresso and quite drying oak spice. There is some slight liquorice at the back of the tongue, a little honey, some toffee and some poached pears. Having checked the official tasting notes afterwards, they're absolutely on point! This is a really interesting and unexpected dram! Finish:  Citrussy and nutty again, drying oak, old bookcase, slight gr