2012 Benromach Contrasts Kiln Dried Oak Virgin Cask Matured Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)
A new concept in the Contrasts series aims at creating a range of styles that are deliberately different to the core Benromach line up. In this example, first-fill kiln-dried virgin oak has been used for the maturation. It would seem that the idea is to emphasise the importance of oak in whisky making, and the different sensory experiences different woods and/or drying methods can bring.
The 'KD' stamp will be familiar to carpenters and is the standard procedure for removing moisture from timber for construction and furniture manufacture. A new felled white oak tree contains around 60% water, so when the quarter-sawn lumber arrives at the cooperage, before it can be shaped and put to use it has to be dried out. Whether to kiln dry or air dry oak (or a bit of both) is for some a small detail in barrel production but it's also argued that it can have a major impact on flavour. Benromach's kiln dried matured edition promises a creamy and tropical whisky with subtle smoke and menthol notes. To taste this against the distillery's air-dried matured expression would be an interesting exercise. 46% Alc./Vol. Non chill filtered.
Other reviews... This time the oak was only air dried for 24 months, then kilned for a short period of time. Colour: gold, very faintly darker. Nose: close, but a tad fruitier and a little less on pencil shavings. I also find it a little more floral, with some jasmine, also blood oranges. I believe the differences should be even more obvious on the palate, let's see… Mouth: this kiln-dried Benromach anytime. More lemon and grapefruit, lemon marmalade, orange blossom honey, Thai coriander, lemongrass, cough drops, cracked pepper… Anytime, really, a no-brainer. Finish: you still feel a few wood shavings and a wee plankish side, but the 'Thai-style citrus' is always having the upper hand. Comments: of course, we remain in very similar styles, but in the end, this 'Kiln Dried' wins hands down in my opinion. 86 points - whiskyfun.com