Benromach adds hat trick of expressions to range

Speyside’s smallest whisky distillery, Benromach, has added three new expressions of the famous, single malt whisky to its range.

The hat trick of expressions adds to the range of ages, styles and strengths of the malt available in the Benromach portfolio, demonstrating the creativity and innovation synonymous with the boutique distillery.

Benromach Wood Finish Hermitage is a subtly smoky single malt Scotch whisky with a distinctly French flavour. The malt was matured in sherry and bourbon casks, before being transferred into oak casks for 22 months that had been used to produce wine from the Hermitage Appellation d’Origine Controlee, in the northern Rhone wine region of France.

Matured in first fill bourbon barrels, Benromach Cask Strength is a mouth warming and smooth single malt with hints of spice.  Containing earthy influences it also has a delicate peaty edge and is bottled at 59.9% ABV.

Benromach 30 Years Old is a smooth and creamy single malt whisky with warming festive hints of sherry and spices.  Matured in sherry casks the bright gold, medium malt also has hints of peat emerging.

Michael Urquhart, Joint Managing Director of Benromach Distillery and owners of Gordon & MacPhail, said:

“The Benromach portfolio now offers an expansive range – something for a variety of palletes.  These latest expressions really demonstrate the skill of our master distillers in maturing and distilling the single malt.  While different in taste, they all have that recognisable Benromach quality which comes from our unique whisky making process, which includes using the finest Scottish malted barley and pure spring water from the Romach Hills.

“We are also pleased to be able to extend the international flavours in our Wood Finish range with the Benromach Hermitage following on from last year’s launch of Spanish Wood Finish, Benromach Pedro Ximenex.”

Benromach single malt whiskies are available from whisky shops and fine wine and spirits retail specialists.

For more information about Benromach Distillery and the Benromach range of Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whiskies go to www.benromach.com.

About Benromach

Benromach distillery is Speyside’s smallest. Based in the attractive Moray town of Forres, the gateway to Scotland’s famous whisky producing region, just two expert distillers make this, golden malt whisky.

Established in 1898, Benromach distillery changed hands many times and was virtually derelict when bought by family firm Gordon & MacPhail in 1993. Drawing on generations of whisky expertise, the company carried out a painstaking refurbishment and the distillery was officially re-opened by Prince Charles in 1998.

Tasting Notes and UK recommended retail prices.  Prices will vary from market to market with currency fluctuations and local taxes:

Benromach Wood Finish Hermitage, 2001, 45%

Colour: Golden amber

Undiluted

Nose: Initially a subtle smokiness with sweet cured bacon influences. A fruity note of ripe red berries and citrus elements emerge. A creamy toffee element lingers.

Palate: Citrus notes are initially evident – lemon and limes. A subtle hint of peat smoke, with a warming spice – ground black pepper. A pleasant smooth and creamy element lingers.

With water

Nose: Initially fresh, malty notes are present. Hints of freshly bailed hay, with some citrus notes emerging – reminiscent of fresh pink grapefruit and lime zest. A rounded sweetness lingers.

Palate: An initial burst of sweetness, with a toasted malt edge. A very delicate hint of smoke becomes evident. Smooth and balanced.

Body: Medium

Finish: Long

Cask types: The whisky is initially matured in 1st fill sherry and bourbon casks. Finished in Hermitage casks.

Recommended retail price: £31.25

Benromach Cask Strength, 2001, 59.9%

Colour: Dark straw

Undiluted

Nose: Fresh with subtle esters and toasted malt.  Sweet vanilla flavours with hints of cream toffee, with a fresh pear note emerging.

Palate: An initial burst of chilli spice, mouth warming, yet very smooth and creamy.  A hint of liquorice and earthy influences linger.

With water

Nose: Fresh with a subtle hint of smoke and some subtle esters.  A defined poached pear nose with sweet, nutty notes (fudge and almond).

Palate: An initial hint of spice, mouth warming and smooth.  A delicate peaty edge develops.

Body: Medium

Finish: Long

Cask types: First fill Bourbon barrels

Recommended retail price: £40.50

Benromach 30 Years Old, 43%

Colour: Bright gold

Undiluted

Nose: Initial rum and raisin notes, with a delicate vanilla edge.  Smooth peach and nectarine fruit flavours mingle beautifully with toasted malt.

Palate: Hints of rich Sherried Christmas cake, with a touch of marzipan.  Some mixed spices emerge.  Smooth and creamy with mouth warming qualities.

With water

Nose: Subtle ripe green apple notes, with a delicate touch of smoke (charred oak) coming to the fore.  Some malty notes become apparent.

Palate: An initial burst of Sherry sweetness, with a hint of peat smoke emerging.  Some hints of black pepper.  Smooth and moreish.

Body: Medium

Finish: Long and warming

Cask type: 1st fill and refill Sherry casks

Recommended retail price: £149.99

Other Benromach expressions include:

Benromach Ten Years Old

Benromach Ten Years Old is created from the finest Scottish barley and pure spring water from the nearby Romach hills. After being matured for at least ten years, it emerges golden in colour and displays rich fruit, sweet chocolate and delicate spicy aromas. With a rich sherry influence, the mouth-watering palate coats the senses with exotic fruit flavours, toasted malt and a delicate hint of smoke.

Benromach Traditional

A rich and mellow single malt with fruit and malty tones, balanced with a hint of smoke.

Benromach Peat Smoke

Full bodied, intense and challenging with a smoky character, yet balanced with the fruity elegance of Speyside.

Benromach Origins

A series of special bottlings crafted to highlight how small changes in the art of whisky-making can help to shape the character of the final single malt. The first batch release in the series is produced using Golden Promise barley, grown in the heart of Speyside. Matured in first and second fill sherry casks, this full bodied single malt displays rich, fruity notes, intertwined with peat smoke a soft spicy flavours.

Further Benromach expressions are also available. Please visit www.benromach.com for details.