Benromach 6 Years Old 2002 Monastrell Wood Finish (45%, OB, 920 Bottles, 2008)

• Speyside single malt scotch whisky
• 45% ABV
• Score: 84/100

What they say:

Distilled at Benromach distillery in 2002 and aged for 5 years before finishing for 12 months in an ex-Monastrell wine cask before bottling in November 2008. Limited edition of 920 bottles.

Colour: Golden Amber.

UNDILUTED Nose: Fresh and fruity notes – tropical fruits and ripe pears.  Hints of milk chocolate and a subtle peat influence.

Palate: Hot and mouth warming, becomes more mellow and smooth.  Sweetness develops and hints of nuts also.

Finish: Long, sweet with some smoke.

WITH WATER Nose: Heavy sweetness, fragrant, tropical fruits – melon notes.  Fresh and more delicate.

Palate: Mellow with delicate heat, more creamy influences, sweet, smoky and light ash elements.

Finish: Lingering and warm.

Body: Light to medium.

Cask Type: Refill hogsheads

What I say:

Dram #3 at the WOLS Benromach Wood Finishes tasting hosted by Thomas McEntee was this Monastrell wood finish tasting.

Colour:

Peachy wine (10/20) light tears

Nose:

Sweet honey, cereal barley flour, pear, apple, peach orchard fruits, citric hops, lemon and tangerine,

Taste:

Sweet peach, melon, creamy vanilla, citric, lemon and hops, develops a hot spice, cayenne pepper

Finish:

Medium, sweet, hot and spicy

Overall:

A little more rounded than the Sassicaia finish, some nice fruit flavours have developed in this expression as well as a reasonable amount of spice and heat.