Benromach – 21 Year Old (70cl, 43%)

Benromach 21 Year Old is a Speyside single malt matured in a pairing of first-fill sherry and bourbon casks and bottled at 21 years old, at 43% ABV in a 70cl bottle. It shows the gentle smokiness associated with the distillery, together with soft spices and fruit. The nose is of Oloroso sherry, stewed plums, raspberry jam and sultanas, with orange peel, dried apricot, vanilla, toasted brown sugar, milk chocolate and ginger, and a sweet peat warmth throughout. On the palate come stewed orchard fruit, chocolate-covered raisins and Seville orange marmalade, then honey, praline, gingerbread, black pepper, tangy oak and bonfire smoke. The finish is led by sherry, with toffee apple, oak spice and fruitcake.