Benromach 10 Years
In recent years, the small distillery in the north-west of Scotland's Speyside has gained more and more popularity. The Benromach 10 offers a good and affordable entry.Benromach, now part of the independent bottler Gordon & MacPhail, is committed to traditional craftsmanship. They believe that making whisky by hand guarantees real character. Benromach only uses first-fill casks for their whiskies: for the 10-years, 80% are bourbon barrels and 20% Spanish sherry casks. The pleasantly simple and uncluttered packaging and bottle design runs through all age groups.
Tasting Notes
Nose
After the nose has become accustomed to the smoke, we begin to perceive sweet aromas like sherry. After a while in the glass, light vanilla and caramel and a hint of toffee become noticeable.
Palate
At first, we have the feeling of an overripe, mouth-filling cherry in the mouth. Afterwards, the sweetness changes from a kind of white chocolate to a harsher dark chocolate. The smoke is almost no longer present, instead it subliminally accompanies the slightly leathery and dry feeling on the tongue.
Finish
Also in the medium-long finish the smoke is rather subliminal and flavours like honey, vanilla and toffee are dominant.
Thoughts
Marcel 83/100
Here, Benromach 10 Years shows that good whisky doesn’t have to be old or expensive to be enjoyable. The sweet cherries and subtle smoke create a character that leaves you wanting more – a true everyday hero with charm and soul.
Sascha 83/100
The Benromach 10 presents a balanced aroma profile from bourbon and sherry cask maturation, with the smoke remaining discreetly in the background. Its clear structure and medium-length finish make it a technically solid Speyside whisky with good balance.
Value for Money: Excellent
💸 This whisky offers an outstanding value for money and is our value pick.
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How do the first-fill casks influence the flavor of Benromach 10 Years?
Benromach 10 Years matures 80% in first-fill bourbon barrels and 20% in Spanish sherry casks. The bourbon barrels contribute notes of vanilla and caramel, while the sherry casks enhance sweet and fruity aromas such as cherry and toffee.
How pronounced is the smoky character in Benromach 10 Years?
The smoke in Benromach 10 Years is subtle and develops more as an undercurrent, especially on the palate and finish. Initially, it is noticeable on the nose but is then replaced in the mouth by sweeter and fruitier flavors.
What makes the production at Benromach traditional and artisanal?
Benromach emphasizes traditional craftsmanship, including manual steps during production. This approach aims to give the whisky a distinctive and authentic character that sets it apart from industrial mass-produced spirits.