The first release of the Benromach Organic, launched back in 2006, was the world’s first ever organic single malt whisky. Made from 100% certified Scottish organic barley.
But to get a certified organic whisky there’s a lot more to it than just the use of organic barley. As the standards of the UK Soil Association are rather strict. This means that everything from growing the ingredients to distillation, and from maturation to bottling must meet these standards. It requires a lot of work, and I guess this is why 100% organic whiskies are still rare these days.
This Benromach has matured in virgin oak casks and is bottled at 43% ABV.
Benromach Organic (2017) tasting notes:
Nose: Quite sweet on the nose. Stewed apples and some other cooked fruits which I can’t define. Restrained or even very delicate on the nose. It’s hard to find more. The sweetness really speaks. Faint touch of smoke at some point, but it is very well hidden.
Taste: Sweetness from honey, a faint hint of malted barley. Bananas as well. In the taste it is also the sweetness that is quite dominant. I can’t really get past that, maybe some pepper and a bit of oak.
Finish: Oaky and peppery. The finish is fairly short. Some apples here again, but the wood dominates here.
I feel this is one of the least impressive Benromach whiskies I have tried. They can do so much better. The nose is the best part of this version, but unfortunately the taste does not reach that level.
