Benromach 21 Years Old, Old Toakaji Finish

Tasted in Whisky Magazine Issue 52 by Martine Nouet and Ian Wisniewski.

Whisky Magazine is the perfect complement to the dram in your glass. Every issue brings you fascinating articles on the art, science and romance of the 'water of life', plus page after page of tasting notes.

• Issue 52 online • Buy issue 52 (£5.95)
• Subscribe to Whisky Magazine (from £28.38)
• Preview current issue (72) • Preview other issues online

Tasting Notes

Martine Nouet Nose Floral (Ivy flowers) at first then heading to heavier scents. Caramelised walnuts, cloved orange. Toffee. Palate Sweet and sour, then bitter. Bitter orange juice, unsweetened coffee. Close to astringent. Finish Dry with an oaky grip. Quite sweetly lingering but the wood bite does not give up. Comment Rather unbalanced. The nose is far more promising than the palate. What’s the point of the finish?

Ian Wisniewski Nose Rich gingerbread, chocolate, honey, then poached fruit with a hint of Christmas pudding. Palate Velvety, luscious thick honey with hints of fruity mulled wine, apricots, sloes, then butterscotch and dark chocolate. Finish Créme brûlée, fruit with spicy oak garnish. Comment Inhaling provides ‘aroma-therapy, ’ while the palate shows that mixing the grape and the grain can be thoroughly rewarding and risk-free.