Last Updated on: 8th April 2024, 02:23 pm
J Highland
J Highland is a certified sommelier with 30 years in the liquor industry, owning a pub, a liquor store, and moonlighting as a spirits distiller.
Uncover the differences between Benromach 15 vs Benromach 21 in my in-depth comparison, and choose your next Single Malt!
Quick Note: Running a pub and liquor store provides me ample access to various spirits, in addition, I moonlight as a spirits distiller. I assess them using customer feedback, expert opinions and online research.
Written by: J Highland
Benromach 15 vs Benromach 21: Comparison
Benromach 15: A Speyside single malt that offers a complex array of flavors from chocolate to ginger spice, with a satisfying long finish marked by oak and smoke. Its balance and depth, paired with an attractive price, make it a standout choice for those seeking a rich, engaging whisky experience.
Benromach 21: Presents a rich blend of orange, sherry, and tobacco, but its finish introduces a notable bitterness that may not appeal to all. While it showcases an interesting flavor journey, the bittersweet end and higher price point might prompt enthusiasts to consider other options for a more harmonious finish.
Verdict: Benromach 15 and Benromach 21 highlight the craftsmanship of the distillery, with the 15-year-old expression providing a more universally pleasing and value-packed experience, while the 21-year-old offers complexity that may be marred for some by its finish, states whiskey expert Neil Coleman.
Related: Top 21-Year Single Malts
Benromach 15: A Balanced Speyside Delight
- Nose: Pear, apple, oak, baking spice
- Palate: Chocolate, mineral, pear, oak, pepper, ginger
- Finish: Long, oak spice, smoke, tobacco, ginger
- Alcohol content: 86 proof (43% ABV)
- How to drink: Add water
- Similar to: Macallan 15
Aroma: This Speyside single malt welcomes you with a combination of orchard fruits, mingling with hints of oak, cinnamon, and nutmeg, creating a complex and inviting nose.
Palate: The initial taste offers a surprising richness with dark chocolate, pear, and oak. As you savor it, peppery notes emerge alongside ginger spice and a touch of minerality.
Finish: The finish lingers pleasantly, carrying subtle smoke, tobacco, ginger spice, and a hint of oak, leaving a gentle warmth on your palate.
Thoughts: Benromach 15 boasts an impressive complexity and mouthfeel, keeping your senses engaged throughout the experience. It delivers a subtle richness, skillfully balancing smokiness and warmth, resulting in a truly captivating dram. Considering its 15-year age, the pricing is attractive, making it a valuable addition for any whisky enthusiast’s collection.
Behind the Bottle:
- This Speyside single malt matures in a combination of first-fill bourbon and sherry casks, contributing to its unique flavor profile.
- Benromach Distillery, established in 1898 and owned by Scotland-based Gordon & MacPhail, crafts this expression.
Benromach 21: An Intriguing Dram with a Bittersweet Finale
- Nose: Oak, tobacco, orange, sherry
- Palate: Orange, sherry, oak, tobacco, black pepper
- Finish: Sherry, honey, oak spice
- Alcohol content: 86 proof (43% ABV)
- How to drink: Add water
- Similar to: Glenlivet 21
Nose: Rich and enticing, offering aromas of oak, tobacco, orange, and sherry.
Palate: Smooth and easy-drinking, it presents a balanced mix of sweet and spicy notes – orange, sherry, black pepper – with underlying oak spice. The body is lighter, but the mouthfeel remains pleasant.
Finish: Medium-length, initially offering enjoyable sherry and honey tones, however, it develops a bitterness as oak spice takes over. Adding water enhances sweetness but doesn’t resolve the bitter aftertaste.
Thoughts: While the initial aroma and taste are impressive, the Benromach 21 disappoints with a bitter finish that detracts from the overall experience. Even adding water doesn’t fully solve the problem.
This whisky is not bad, but compared to other 21-year-olds, it lacks the well-roundedness that might justify its price. For this reason, we recommend exploring other options for a more complete and satisfying experience.
Behind the Whisky:
- Benromach 21 matures in a combination of first-fill sherry and bourbon casks, influencing its flavor profile.
Price comparison
Prices are approximate and stated in USD:
| Whisky | Price |
| Benromach 15 | $100 |
| Benromach 21 | $195 |