Benromach – Contrasts Peat Smoke 2014 (46%)

This is a peated Speyside single malt from Benromach, part of the Contrasts range. It was made from heavily peated barley, distilled in 2014 and matured in first-fill ex-bourbon casks until 2023. It was bottled at 46% ABV. Benromach is owned and run by Gordon & MacPhail, who bought the distillery in 1993 and reopened it in 1998. The nose has roasted nuts, vanilla pod, earthy barley, cinnamon, ginger and a hint of summer meadow. The palate is fruitier, with flamed orange peel and a splash of apple, though plenty of peat smoke remains. The finish brings campfire embers, brown sugar and grilled pineapple.