Whisky Focus - Benromach Sassicaia 2005 & Hermitage 2006 Wood Finishes

Benromach release two new limited edition Wood Finishes, Benromach Sassicaia 2006 & Benromach Hermitage 2005.

The team at Benromach has announced the release of two new limited edition Benromach Wood Finishes, Benromach Sassicaia 2006 and Benromach Hermitage 2005.

Benromach tell me that the two new whiskies offer a unique flavour profile as a result of a final finishing in wine casks from the distinguished wine regions of the northern Rhône, Haut-Médoc, near Bordeaux, and Bolgheri in Tuscany.

The Benromach Sassicaia which was matured in First Fill bourbon barrels then finished for 18 months in former Sassicaia wine casks from Bolgheri. Tuscany. Bottled at 45%ABV Benromach tell me it is an exquisite dram which has a naturally deep, ruby red colour. Red berries lead on the nose followed by hints of ginger and cinnamon, complemented by a subtle smoky finish. This leads directly on to flavours of pepper on the palate which give way to ripe fruit flavours, with notes of chocolate, followed by a subtle smoky edge.

The Benromach Hermitage draws its unique flavour from a final finishing period in oak casks that once nurtured wine from the Hermitage Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée, in the northern Rhône region of France. Bottled at 45% ABV 45%, Benromach tell me it has aromas of sweet summer fruits, zesty lemon and lime lead on the nose, followed by a touch of vanilla and cinnamon, underlined by peat smoke with a peppermint edge. A sweet, fruity dram, flavours of succulent dark cherry and orange combine with creamy milk chocolate with a gentle smoky edge and a long, fruity finish.

The new releases from Benromach follow limited edition Wood Finish expressions Benromach Château Cissac and Benromach Hermitage 2004 , which were released in 2014 and sold out pretty quickly.

Benromach Distillery Manager Keith Cruickshank said: "We are delighted to announce the release of Benromach Sassicaia and Benromach Hermitage, the latest whiskies in our exceptional range of classic Speyside single malts. Whisky lovers who enjoy our flagship 10 Years Old and our new 15 Years Old, both of which display the classic Benromach flavour profile, will enjoy the chance to experience Benromach in a different way. The maturation in wine casks from distinguished regions creates a distinct flavour in the whisky and allows a truly unique character to develop.

"With notes of succulent berries, vanilla and cinnamon, Sassicaia and Hermitage are the perfect winter warmers for whisky fans and beginners alike."

Benromach Speyside Single Malt Scotch whisky is handcrafted using the finest natural ingredients at the Forres distillery.

These new expressions of Benromach are available to purchase at specialist whisky retailers such as The Whisky Exchange with an RRP of £39.49. Prices may vary in export markets because of duty and import taxes.
 

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