Benromach 2004/2013 Sassicaia Finish Review

Physical Whisky Characteristics

• Origin: Speyside, Scotland
• Type: Single Malt Scotch Whisky
• Distillation Year: 2004
• Bottling Year: 2013
• Age Statement: Approximately 9 years
• ABV: 45%
• Maturation Process: Initially matured in first-fill ex-bourbon casks followed by an 18-month finishing period in Sassicaia wine casks.
• Color: Deep ruby
• Bottle Design: Features the typical Benromach tin tube with a label indicating the Sassicaia wood finish and other details like distillation and bottling years.

Whisky Flavor Profile

• Nose: Light smokiness, sweet vanilla, fresh fruitiness (peaches, apples), and hints of raisins from the Sassicaia wine influence.
• Palate: Strong and prickling on the tongue initially, sweet, mouthwatering, fruity, with a hint of oak wood. The sweetness is attributed to the first-fill American oak ex-bourbon casks, while the sharpness and fruitiness are influenced by the Sassicaia wine casks.
• Finish: Not too long, described as a roller coaster of smoothness to sharpness, then complexity with sweet vanilla, fruits, and a little smoke.

Whisky Storytelling

• Distillery Restart: Benromach distillery, located in Forres, Speyside, was restarted in 1998 by the independent bottler Gordon & MacPhail after being closed during the British recession in the early '80s.
• Family-Owned: Gordon & MacPhail, a family-owned business for over a hundred years, owns Benromach, emphasizing a handcrafted whisky production process with just two men working in the distillery.

Cultural or Geographical Significance

• Sassicaia Wine Casks: The Sassicaia wine, from Tuscany, Italy, is known for its sweet and fruity characteristics. The wine region gained prominence post-World War II when French wine was inaccessible. The wine casks used for finishing the whisky add a unique flavor profile.
• Speyside Distillery: Benromach is highlighted as the smallest distillery in Speyside, a region known for its significant contribution to Scotch whisky production.

Expert Opinions and Noteworthy Quotes

• "The first thing I recognize in my nose is the light smokiness of the whisky."
• "Very interesting whisky, not too expensive but you have to look after it."

Summary

• Benromach 2004/2013 Sassicaia Finish is a single malt Scotch whisky from Speyside, matured in ex-bourbon and Sassicaia wine casks, resulting in a unique flavor profile of light smoke, sweet vanilla, and fresh fruitiness.
• The distillery's history of revival by Gordon & MacPhail and its status as the smallest in Speyside add to the whisky's narrative.
• The use of Sassicaia wine casks introduces a sweet and fruity dimension, distinguishing it from other whiskies.
• The whisky is appreciated for its complexity, balance of flavors, and the handcrafted approach to its production.

Recommendations for Different User Profiles

• For Whisky Enthusiasts: Those interested in exploring the influence of unique cask finishes will find the Sassicaia finish intriguing.
• For Collectors: The limited bottle count and the story behind the distillery's revival make this a worthy addition to a collection.
• For Beginners: The balanced flavor profile, not overly dominated by peat smoke, makes it accessible for those new to Scotch whisky.