Benromach – 2011 Contrasts Bordeaux Cask 2023 (70cl, 46%)

This Benromach is a limited single malt from the Speyside distillery near Forres, distilled in 2011 and bottled in 2023 at 46% in a 70cl bottle. It spent its first seven years in first-fill bourbon casks, then a further five in Bordeaux wine casks. The nose is delicate, with honey, flowers, forest fruits, toasted oak and gentle peat smoke, plus faint rose notes and ripe red fruit. The palate is soft and sweet, with tangy mandarin and dark forest fruits bound together with toasted oak. The finish is medium in strength and fruity, with a light touch of peat smoke.