Benromach 10 Year Old | Taste, Price and Similar Whiskies

The Benromach 10 year old single malt is the perfect example of an underestimated Speyside whiskey. It is complex and multi-layered, and captivates with notes of roasted aromas and sherry. A balanced and cozy malt that deserves more attention. 

$57 are well spent for this sherry barrel matured single malt.

Benromach 10 mostly matures in bourbon casks and gets its finish in former sherry casks.

Characteristics of Benromach 10

What does it smell like?

There are only a few whiskeys that at the first sniff give you the cozy feeling of being at home. Benromach 10 years is one of those rare malts. 

Vanilla is one of the first notes to tease your nose, followed by a malty fragrance. Then comes the smell of grain, like that in a billowing wheat field. There is a hint of slightly sour smell of kiwi and green apples, perhaps also grapes. The smell of sherry barrels is clearly recognizable.

In the background, the young Benromach malt is subtly smoky with a whiff of salty sea breeze.

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How does it taste?

If the fragrance is clearly characterized by fruity aromas, the Benromach 10 is rather serious on the tongue. 

Grainy, malty aromas are heavily present. This whisky is similar to Cragganmore 12 years, also a complex, only slightly fruity Speysider. 

The Benromach has distinctive roasted aromas, almost tastes like crispy toast here. The taste of sherry lingers on towards the end, and the malt is dry and astringent. A subtle smokiness rounds it off, giving it a cozy finish.

With a few drops of Water

The Benromach 10 years has 43% alcohol, so it can take a few drops of water. And does it blooms properly! 

The aromas intensify significantly. The crispy toast notes become buttery and with hints of strawberry jam. And the sherry comes out stronger. 

If Benromach 10 was already great without water, with a few drops, it turns simply fantastic.

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Comparison with Similar Whiskeys

If you like the olden pre-1960 style lightly smoked Speyside whiskeys, you will find the following price/quality comparison across similar tasting whiskies useful.

Benromach 10 clearly lies on the lower end of the price spectrum of comparable drams. If you are looking for a still cheaper option that is similar, try black label from Johnnie Walker.

Benromach 10 Year Old Price in Stores