Benromach Contrasts: Cote-Rotie Wine Cask Finish - 2014/2026 - 12 y.o.

Volume: 0.7 litres | Alcohol content: 46% | Chill filtration: No | Colouring: No

Special Features:

This limited release from the Contrasts range was initially matured in first-fill bourbon casks before receiving a 26-month finish in Côte-Rôtie wine casks. Distilled in 2014, the single malt was bottled in 2026 at twelve years of age and 46%. The malt used for it was lightly peated and measured around 12 ppm.

At 26 months, the finish represents a long and distinct maturation phase. The combined influence of the first-fill bourbon and Côte-Rôtie wine casks is reflected in warm spices and berry fruit, vanilla, chocolate, black pepper, orange peel, ginger and charred oak. A delicate smokiness lingers through the finish.

Tasting Notes:

• Nose: The nose opens with warm spices and ripe summer berries, followed by sweet vanilla and creamy chocolate.
• Palate: The palate is smooth and rich in dark fruit, with wild berries, freshly cracked black pepper, orange peel, a touch of ginger and charred oak.
• Finish: The finish is medium in length and fruit-forward, with lingering summer berries, dry oak and subtle, persistent smoke.

Distillery/Bottler:

Benromach Distillery produced this whisky in Forres, and the Côte-Rôtie edition was released as an official bottling. Gordon & MacPhail owns the distillery, acquired Benromach in 1993 and reopened it in 1998 following restoration. Built in 1898, the distillery uses traditional craft methods and maintains a classic, lightly smoky Speyside style. The Contrasts range deliberately explores different production methods, approaches to drying barley and cask profiles. This edition focuses on the influence of a 26-month Côte-Rôtie finish on the distillery’s delicately smoky house style.

Facts: