Benromach Contrasts: Air Dried Oak (D.2012, B.2023) /46%/ 0.7l

In 2020, Benromach Distillery announced the launch of the Contrasts series, which will feature non-standard versions of this single malt, including the previously known Peat Smoke, Organic and Triple Distilled.

In 2023, it was joined by two limited editions – Air Dried Oak and Kiln Dried Oak, both based on whisky distilled in 2012. The former was aged in virgin oak barrels that air-dried for 36 months. (The latter used oak barrels that air-dried for 24 months and an additional 12 months in a kiln.) Both whiskies were bottled at 46% abv and unchill-filtered.

Nose: slightly smoky, vanilla pudding, peaches, apricots, orange peel, cinnamon, nutmeg, notes of leather, pencil shavings and oak.

Palate: slightly oily, toasted oak, vanilla, candied orange peel, banana cake, cinnamon, licorice, nutmeg, a pinch of pepper and a trace of smoke.

Finish: medium long, with notes of caramel, vanilla, cinnamon, herbs, toasted oak and peat smoke in the background.