Benromach – 2012 Peat Smoke Bourbon Matured

This is a small-batch Speyside single malt from Benromach, released in the Contrasts range. It was distilled in 2012 and matured for 9 years in first-fill bourbon barrels. The malted barley was heavily peated, to a phenol level of 55ppm. On the nose it shows vanilla, ripe apricot, citrus and fragrant peat smoke. The palate brings smoky sweetness with vanilla bean, charred lemon, butterscotch and toasted oak, and the finish stays with sweet lemon and persistent peat smoke.