Speyside Whisky / BENROMACH CONTRASTS: KILIN DRIED OAK VIRGIN OAK CASK 10 Year 2012 (Benromach Kiln-Dried Virgin Oak Cask Aged) [Official Import]

This offering from Benromach Distillery (owned by long-established independent bottler Gordon & MacPhail) is part of the Benromach "Contrast" series, matured in kiln-dried casks.
The "casks" used for aging determine 70% of the flavor of whiskey. The type of cask, the type of liquor packed inside, and the degree of char also have an impact. The wood used for the casks must be dried naturally over a long period of time, or kiln-dried for faster drying. Natural drying takes three years, while kiln-dried wood takes two years. By drying wood in a kiln for a shorter period of time, the overall drying time can be shortened by one year.
The barrels were air-dried, lightly toasted and then casked into virgin oak to eliminate any sherry, bourbon or char notes that might mask the effects of the drying method.
(Tasting notes)
Waxed lemon peel, apple toffee, sweet hay, and malt biscuits. The creamy flavor offers tropical pineapple, barley sugar, fresh lime, and ginger. A hint of oak and menthol emerge from the background. The sweetness of the smoke lingers.