Benromach 1977 (cask #1268)

The Benromach 1977 followed the release of three other vintage single casks: Benromach 1973, Benromach 1974 and Benromach 1975 earlier in 2017. I was born in 1978 so I’d better start saving, it could be next?

The 1977 was bottled from a refill American oak hogshead after 39 years of maturation.

Benromach 39 yo 1977 (56%, OB 2017, refill bourbon hogshead #1268, 225 btl.)

Nose: well yes! I like this waxy spirit, mixed with mirabelles, whitecurrants, green banana and a touch of aniseed. Vanilla custard. Honey. Lighter hints of passion fruits and orange zest. Always some eucalyptus, menthol and dried flowers in the background, even light, earthy tobacco.

Mouth: great again, full of clementines, bananas, pears, as well as hints of grapefruit. Some gingery oak and whiffs of mint. A little liquorice. Tobacco leaf. Honey. Surprisingly the high ABV works very well, and doesn’t make it oakier. A few drops of water make the (slightly tropical) fruitiness more intense though.

Finish: medium, on orange blossom, light floral honey and again gentle wood spices.

Just excellent, very beautiful and elegant whisky. My favourite vintage so far together with the 1974. Still a few available from The Whisky Exchange.

Score: 91/100