Benromach 40 Years Batch 2 (2022)
Whiskies of this age are rare. Whiskies of this calibre are even rarer. The Benromach 40 Years Batch 2, bottled in 2022 at a bold 56.5% ABV, hails from Scotland's Speyside region and spent four decades in first fill sherry casks. This is not an everyday dram – it’s a sensorial time capsule, meticulously composed and highly limited.
Tasting Notes
Nose
What strikes first is a noble aged character – no dust, just maturity. Cognac-like notes rise gently, followed by ginger, maple syrup and a touch of honey. There’s an underlying richness of sweet aged leather, ripe tobacco, and a whiff of coffee grounds. Add to that deeply overripe red fruits, baked apple and sugar beet – it’s an aromatic tapestry that unfolds slowly and rewards patience.
Palate
On the palate, this whisky is surprisingly vivid. Despite its age, it’s oily, full-bodied and layered. The entry is sweet, with orange and grapefruit bringing a light tang. Then the cask takes over: curry, Indian spices, and dry tannic structure. Toward the end, ginger makes a comeback, followed by a flash of sour cherries, adding drama and contrast.
Finish
The finish is medium in length, but full of character. Notes of old oak, some bordering on burnt wood, dominate the aftertaste. Intense spice lingers, balanced by a subtle return of fruity undertones – the sherry cask’s final whisper.
Thoughts
Marcel 91/100
This Benromach 40 Years is like a well-told novel: profound, full of surprises, and with a spice that lingers long after. It demonstrates just how majestic well-aged whisky can be without shouting for attention – a true experience for connoisseurs seeking something extraordinary.
Sascha 90/100
The harmonious balance of sweet fruit, spicy depth, and structured oak maturity makes the Benromach 40 Years a technically impressive whisky. Despite its power, it remains remarkably well-balanced and impressively showcases how complexity and approachability can go hand in hand.
Value for Money: No rating
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77/100Frequently Asked Questions
Why was the Benromach 40 Years Batch 2 matured in first fill sherry casks?
First fill sherry casks impart intense aromas of dried fruits, spices, and sweet oak to the whisky. Over such a long maturation period of 40 years, they create a complex, profound flavor profile that shapes the character of the whisky.
How does the high alcohol content of 56.5% ABV affect the tasting experience?
The high alcohol content provides a powerful and lively texture that remains intact despite the whisky’s advanced age. It enhances the range of aromas and allows the complex spice and fruit notes to be perceived more intensely. Adding a little water can help to further unlock the finer nuances of the flavors.
How does the Benromach 40 Years Batch 2 differ from younger Benromach releases?
The 40-years Benromach reveals a significantly deeper, more mature aroma profile with dominant notes of leather, tobacco, and aged wood that are less pronounced in younger releases. The extended maturation in sherry casks also brings exceptional complexity and spiciness that younger expressions have yet to fully develop.