Benromach – Contrasts Peat Smoke Sherry Cask 2012 (70cl, 46%)

Benromach Contrasts Peat Smoke Sherry Cask is a single malt distilled in 2012 and bottled in 2021 at 46% ABV, in a 70cl bottle. It was matured entirely in first-fill sherry hogsheads and made in very small batches. The barley was malted to a high peat level of 55 ppm, so the sherry casks sit alongside a smoky character. The colour is a light mahogany. The nose brings cinnamon and ginger with dark chocolate melting into soft demerara sugar, then Seville orange peel and sweet smoke. On the palate come cocoa powder, creamy honey and stewed red berries, followed by vanilla, black pepper and roasted almonds. The finish is full, with sour cherry, peat smoke and some sweetness.