The latest bottling from the Wu Dram Clan is this Benromach 2003. It started as a single cask project, but it grew bigger as it turned out difficult to pick just one. The final composition comes from two old-style sherry casks and two bourbon barrels.
Benromach 22 yo 2003 (55%, OB for Wu Dram Clan 2025, first-fill bourbon + sherry casks, 1076 btl.)
Nose: quite a rugged, even slightly dirty sherry influence. Assertive earthy notes, with faded peat smoke and nice hints of ancient herbal liqueurs. Then some fir and menthol, as well as chestnuts, lamp oil and hints of cabbage. Walnuts and a hint of tobacco as well. One of these Benromachs that come close to the classic Springbank funk.
Mouth: still very muscular and robust. Ground black peppercorns with more of this earthy smoke, along with a tinge of gunpowder. Then charred raisins, old leather, walnuts and a wee salty touch. A light hint of creamy fruits underneath, but the bourbon influence struggles to come out. Later burnt orange peels with some medicinal herbs as well. Hints of hardwood and mulched leaves in the end.
Finish: long, still very earthy, with increasing mineral notes, black pepper and drying tobacco notes.
A very singular selection, certainly more robust than most of the official bottlings. Some funky and savoury notes will certainly appeal to those looking for a single malt that is not too well-behaved. Available now, mostly from German stores.