Benromach Contrasts Organic Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)

References Glenmorangie Tusail (less the $150 price tag).

A world-first when it was launched in 2006, this unpeated Benromach is certified Organic from start to finish, meeting rigorous UK Soil Association standards for growing the ingredients, distillation, maturation and bottling. Previous releases were enthused over by Jim Murray who described the first edition as "An absolute treat!" 91 points, followed by an even more glowing review for the 2008 - "The most astonishing explosion of intense barley and oak. More orgasmic than organic!" 93 points

This expression is around eight years old and comes exclusively matured in virgin oak casks.

Tasting note: [43% batch tasted] Glossy gold. Dazzles in the glass, forming thick legs. Creamy, almost oily bouquet, oozes fruity malt and vanilla with wonderful purity. Hints of grainstore and hay bail are detected in later passes. Light and easy on entry developing depth and texture; in fact, probably one of the creamiest barley deliveries you're likely to find: A juicy, nutty, oily malt with flavours of beeswax and shortbread heightening at the finish. Beautiful whisky that emphasises mouthfeel over complexity. References Glenmorangie Tusail (less the price tag). A simple pleasure.

Other reviews... Topaz color; completely sediment free appearance. There’s a pleasing fruitiness/ambrosial quality in the first inhalations after the pour that remind me of nectarine, Bosc pear and/or quince; the orchard fruit aspect remains evident in the second passes following more aeration, plus I encounter additional scents of parchment, green tomato, and heather. Entry features the semidry, surprisingly evolved flavors of dried fruits (nectarine and pear, in particular), green tobacco, crème caramel; midpalate flavors are sturdy, sweeter than the those at entry, honeyed, biscuity, sugar cookie-like, and maple-like. Finishes medium long, gently sweet, sappy. Shockingly evolved for such a young malt whisky. - Highly Recommended - www.spiritjournal.com