Benromach 21 Year Old, Bourbon & Sherry Cask, 43%

The contrast between sweet sherry and soft smoke gives this a clear point of interest, while Seville orange and baked apple bring a fruitier edge to the creamy malt and milk chocolate. The 43% ABV is useful context, but the appeal here is really that mix of richness and gentle smoke rather than strength for its own sake. A thoughtful, warmly layered direction for a Speyside single malt.

Reviewed by busstop lantern

Nose

Sweet sherry, Mature fruit, Soft smoke

Palate

Milk chocolate, Seville orange, Baked apple, Creamy malt

Finish

Elegant soft smoke, Lingering sherry richness