Benromach Contrasts: Air Dried Oak 2012

This exclusive edition whisky, Benromach Contrasts: Air Dried Oak 2012, is part of the Contrasts series, in which the Benromach distillery explores how different wood treatments influence the final character of the whisky.

In the case of Air Dried Oak, the casks were air-dried outdoors before being crafted into virgin oak barrels later filled with new-make spirit.

Distillation took place in 2012, and the whisky matured for approximately 10 years in these fresh oak casks. The result is a whisky with a rich yet gentle aroma and a complex flavor profile.

On the nose, you can detect sweet notes of vanilla and caramel, toasted cereals, citrus blossom, and a subtle hint of smoke and oak.

The palate is soft and smooth, offering spicy notes of black pepper combined with citrus freshness, menthol, and oak. The finish is medium-long to long, with a delicate wisp of smoke lingering in the background.

This expression provides an interesting alternative for whisky enthusiasts: it focuses on pure oak character and subtle smoke, something less commonly seen within the Speyside region.