Benromach Contrasts Cote-Rotie Wine Cask Finish 2014/2026 12 Year Old (70cl, 46%)

A limited Speyside single malt whisky distilled in 2014 and bottled in 2026 after twelve years. It first matured in first-fill Bourbon casks, then received a twenty-six month finish in Cote-Rotie wine casks. The malt was lightly peated at around 12 ppm. The combined influence of the Bourbon and Cote-Rotie casks shows in warm spices and berry fruit, vanilla, chocolate, black pepper, orange peel, ginger and charred oak, with a fine smoke remaining into the finish. On the nose, warm spices and ripe summer berries are followed by sweet vanilla and creamy chocolate. The palate is smooth and darkly fruity, with forest berries, freshly cracked black pepper, orange peel, light ginger and charred oak. The finish is medium length and fruit-led, with summer berries, dry oak and a subtle, lingering smoke.