29th March, 2016 by Amy Hopkins

Speyside’s Benromach Distillery Company has released a limited edition single malt Scotch whisky finished in Sassicaia wine casks.

Distilled in 2007 and initially matured in first fill Bourbon barrels, Benromach Sassicaia Wood Finish has been finished for an unspecified period of time in barrels from the Bolgheri wine region in Italy.

The Scotch whisky, available in limited quantities, is said to have a flavour of ripe berries, milk chocolate drops, ginger, cinnamon and subtle smoke. It follows the launch of other special edition ‘wood finishes’ from Benromach, including Benromach Hermitage 2005, Benromach Sassicaia 2006 and Château Cissac 2006.

“Our wood finish expressions allow us the opportunity to provide our customers with a special malt which is full of character, thanks to the final maturation period in casks from distinguished wine regions,” said Keith Cruickshank, manager of the Benromach Distillery.

“The final finishing period in Sassicaia wine casks allows for an exceptional flavour profile to develop, full of summer fruits and soft spice.

“Fans of our Benromach 10 Years Old and 15 Years Old, which display the classic character of pre-1960s Speyside single malt, will enjoy the chance to experience our whisky in a different way.”

Just 3,500 bottles of Benromach Sassicaia Wood Finish have been released through specialist whisky retailers worldwide at an RRP of £40.25.

Last month, Benromach released one of its “rarest expressions to date” – a 35-year-old whisky crafted from liquid that predates the distillery’s restoration. Originally built in 1898, the site was restored and brought back into production by Gordon & MacPhail in 1993.