Since its inception, the Probus Wee Drammers group have sampled 93 whiskys, representing 60 different distilleries. Bob’s selections for our November 24 tasting added numbers 59 and 60 to our growing list of distilleries and numbers 92 and 93 unique tastings to our list. But not to worry, we won’t run out soon as we have 48 established distilleries to visit as well as another 31 ‘new’ companies that have started production since the year 2000. And, of the 60 distilleries already visited, there are countless drams yet to be sampled (limited only by the pocket book).
For our ZOOM-driven tasting, Marie and Bob delivered two samples to each group member’s home. These were sampled and discussed via Zoom as the group shared their COVID realities and discussed the endless array of topics dominating our newscasts. As usual, food parings became the responsibility of each individual. The usual fare – smoked salmon, hard cheeses, and dark chocolate were common.
Tonight’s selections included:
BENROMACH 10 YEAR OLD – $80.00 available at Hammond Bay Liquor
Founded in 1898, Benromach has had a tumultuous history, with several different owners, bankruptcies and extended periods of inactivity, finally ended in 1993 when the current owners took control. Since then, Benromach has received great attention and earned considerable respect among whisky aficionados. A visitor to the Benromach would find a traditional Speyside distillery in the town of Forres, northeast of Inverness, owned by a family of whisky-lovers intent on making single malt the right way with true character.
Using just four just four ingredients – barley, water, yeast and a human touch – .Benromach keep things simple. A handful of distillers rely entirely on their expertise and senses to make the finest handmade whisky, a Speyside single malt matured exclusively in first-fill, bourbon and sherry casks with a subtly smoky character. All of casks are hand-filled, individually weighed, stencilled by hand and stowed in the distilleries’ traditional dunnage warehouses. Benromach believes making whisky by hand guarantees genuine character.
The 10 year old is only ever matured in the finest oak casks, and malt delivers delicate forest fruits and creamy malt, a touch of smoke and rich, lasting sherry notes. The finish is “warming, with lingering barbecue notes”
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KILCHOMAN – SANAIG ($140.00)
There are currently nine whisky distilleries on Islay. Seven are owned by multinational companies. Only two are privately owned. Kilchoman is one of those two. A very young company, Kilchoman started operation in 2005 and since then the company has enjoyed such success that they have increased production and are producing in excess of 350,000 litres a year. Kilchoman Sanaig, named after an inlet on Islay’s rugged Atlantic cost, is included in the core range from the company. Kilchoman is matured in both sherry and bourbon barrels. This sherry cask scotch whisky is matured in a high proportion of oloroso barrels, imparting a balance of dried fruits, dark chocolate and rich peat smoke into the spirit. On the nose one notices fragrant heather, raisins, pear and orange peel with waves of stoned fruits, mixed spices and rich peat smoke. The palate presents “over ripe plums, red cherries and hints of citrus which give way to rich barbeque peat smoke, toffee, oak and dark chocolate.
The finish leaves a mouth-coating mixed fruit, caramel, cinnamon and clove with layers of brown sugar, spices, peat smoke and lasting sweetness.
Another successful tasting. Excellent selections Bob. Well done!
