Style’s merry band of beverage reviewers taste-test some warming winter-friendly drops.
Follow from left to right (starting with Benromach 15).
A real character
A staple dram in the whisky cabinet, Benromach 15 is so full of character and the perfect gateway
for anyone looking to try smoky whisky for the first time. Benromach distillery is famed for its traditional
style of single malt whisky. The palate is enticing, with cracked pepper, charred oak, apples, dark chocolate
and forest fruits with rich sherry notes and a touch of smoke that endures to the finish. It coats the palate in a way that feels rather indulgent and suggests a maturity beyond its 15 years. There’s a gentle lingering smoke on the finish that’s uncommon to see in Speyside whiskies but one that allows for a much broader appeal in comparison to more heavily peated whiskies.
Rum in a million
The latest from Auckland-based outfit Lunatic & Lover, Fundamental is an un-aged, organic rum, the result of two years of recipe development to create a rum that’s versatile and approachable, packs enough flavour and vibrance to hold its own against the complexities of other ingredients, and yet is refined enough to sample neat. Using only three ingredients – molasses, water and yeast – Fundamental can be
considered a purist’s rum. With aromas of strawberry, red fruits, cream and peaches, on the palate this
silky drop has plenty of body and depth, with notes of chocolate and a soft liquorice finish.
A golden drop
Hailing from the small town of Forres in Speyside, this rather special Benromach, Cara Gold, is from their contrast range. This delicious limited release is made using a combination of the fruity, toffee-styled Cara Gold malted barley along with their standard lightly peated malt. Matured in first-fill bourbon barrels, it offers perfumed and tropical fruit notes, leading to pepper and toasted malt with a hint of butterscotch,
and a vibrant, sweet smoke finish. With the classic Benromach smoke making an appearance, this is an
ideal whisky to enjoy by the roaring fire on a cold wintry evening and a truly special dram to share among whisky lovers.
PB & W
Whiskey purists may wish to look away now, but for those with a sense of adventure or a bit of a sweet tooth, new US import Sheep Dog has arrived on our shores with its Peanut Butter Whiskey, and is already generating plenty of interest with the surprising flavour fusion – warm whiskey, a hit of classic peanut butter and notes of vanilla and caramel popcorn. Perfect for peanut butter nutters, as a conversation starter, a sweet treat poured neat onto ice or as an opportunity to get creative with your home cocktail making.