Benromach 40 Year Old Cask Strength Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml) - 2022 Release

Benromach's second annual release of what is one of the oldest official bottlings on record is limited to just 1,132 bottles worldwide, slightly up on last years. Bottled at a cask strength of 57.6% and laid down in finest first-fill Oloroso sherry casks, it was drawn from stocks laid down well-before current owners Gordon & Macphail took over in 1992. According to several reports it's a sherry extravaganza and comes with another big review from whiskyfun.com. Suitably presented in a striking black stained solid oak wooden box with copper-coloured detailing and printed metal plaques, a bespoke Benromach bottle features an embossed gold foiled label and completes the quality feel. Collectable.

Other reviews... Benromach's latest 40 yo, last year, was utterly stunning (WF 93) while an earlier version at 43% vol., named 'Heritage' had been almost as much to my liking (WF 91). The Distillery's mildly peaty style makes wonders, but it is to be remembered that these batches had still been distilled and filled by ex-owners United Distillers, later to be merged into Diageo. Also remember that the Distillery got closed in 1983, only to be restarted by current owners Gordon & MacPhail in 1998. So, in theory, next year's possible 40 yo would make for the last proper 40 before… 2038. Let's first find a proper sparring partner…Colour: full gold. Nose: a little unusual given that this should be ex-first fill sherry, with rather more butterscotch than expected as well as some cassata and that very insane thing you'll sometimes find in Italy, proper caramel ice-cream, this time covered with blackberry cream or liqueur. Works with guignolet/Heering too. Behind that, pipe tobacco and drier raisins, plus something that really makes me think of certain old armagnacs I've enjoyed so much lately. With water: drier, rather on old teas, including our beloved old pu-ehrs that we keep mentioning. Mouth (neat): grand. Walnuts in all their guises, as cakes, tartes, liqueurs, wines and cordials. With water: some sweetness now, fruitcake, marmalade, baklavas, kumquats (dag!) and, this time again, a tiny Campbeltownian side. Spent engine grease, you know. Finish: long, splendid. Tobacco, marmalade, sweet mustard and walnuts. Oh and 'engine grease' indeed. A classic cocoa – coffee – cigars combo in the aftertaste. Comments: I agree this whisky deserved a longer tasting note, but there, my glass is empty. Another very good sign. 92 points - whiskyfun.com