Uploaded February 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
Shortcuts/Timecodes:
1:27 – Big News!
5:58 – Benromach 21 Nose
6:44 – Benromach 21 Taste
9:35 – Ardnamerica Nose
10:58 – Ardnamerica Taste
Benromach’s 21 Year Old is a refined single malt whisky from the Benromach Distillery in Forres, Speyside, Scotland, a region known for elegantly balanced malts with fruity and lightly smoky profiles. This expression is distilled from 100% malted barley and matured for 21 years exclusively in first-fill bourbon and sherry casks, allowing the spirit to develop a deep interplay of rich dried fruit, citrus peel, warm spice, and subtle oak-driven complexity, with a gentle whisper of smoke that is characteristic of the distillery’s style. Bottled at 43% ABV, it represents the oldest regular release in Benromach’s core range and typically retails in the United States around $150 - $180 depending on retailer. The long maturation and careful cask selection give this whisky a maturity and depth that befits its age statement, making it appealing to drinkers who enjoy classic Speyside richness with nuanced wood influence.
The 2025 ArdnAmerica Tour bottling is a special release from the Ardnamurchan Distillery in the West Highlands of Scotland, crafted specifically for the U.S. market as a limited edition with only about 900 bottles available. Unlike age-statement whiskies, this expression is a carefully composed cask-strength single malt (around 57.5% ABV) that combines peated and unpeated spirit matured in a blend of Sauternes barriques and ex-bourbon barrels - the peated portion offering coastal smoke influence while the barrique finish adds a layer of fortified wine-like sweetness and complexity. Although it does not carry an official age, the 2025 bottling reflects a youthful but well-integrated maturation profile, and it is typically priced in the $85-$100 USD range at retail. The ArdnAmerica Tour’s hybrid approach - marrying wine cask influence, peated and unpeated spirit, and elevated proof - gives it a dynamic flavor experience that showcases its vibrant honeyed Highland malt character with a beautiful enveloping peat.
As of February 2025, my current bottle count is over 3,500. I am a Certified Specialist of Spirits and have also been accredited by the Tequila Regulatory Council (CRT). I've been actively collecting for 31 years and what started as a small basic home bar has transformed (with the help and understanding of my wonderful wife) into this collection and career. Speaking of my career, I’m super proud to announce that my “Saints Alley “Nobleman” Rye Whiskey was named “Best American Rye” at the 2024 World Whisky Awards (Batch 5 is possibly still at Total Wine & More)! But don’t forget that our other Bourbons have also won multiple big awards and are on Total Wine shelves now! Our Flagship Port & Cognac received a Double Platinum at Fred Minnick's 2024 Ascot Awards, and "The Herald” - our Armagnac finished Bourbon - took Double Gold at the Whiskies of the World competition! Our $40 Ironroot "Sleight of Hand" (now renamed "Assemblage") Rye Whiskey won Best in Class Double Gold and made the Top 5 for Worlds Best Rye at the San Francisco Spirits Awards! And while my insanely delicious 114 proof 10-Year-Old Saints Alley "Herald Cigar Blend" Bourbon has come and gone, don't be surprised to hear of s second batch arriving mid 2026! Join Ironroot Republic's email, Facebook & Instagram for up-to-date details! Given my decades of consumer/reviewer experience, you know that I'm working hard to continue bringing you great whiskies that I'm proud of as a collector, reviewer & blender! Thank you for watching & please remember to drink responsibly. Cheers!
Shortcuts/Timecodes:
1:27 – Big News!
5:58 – Benromach 21 Nose
6:44 – Benromach 21 Taste
9:35 – Ardnamerica Nose
10:58 – Ardnamerica Taste
Benromach’s 21 Year Old is a refined single malt whisky from the Benromach Distillery in Forres, Speyside, Scotland, a region known for elegantly balanced malts with fruity and lightly smoky profiles. This expression is distilled from 100% malted barley and matured for 21 years exclusively in first-fill bourbon and sherry casks, allowing the spirit to develop a deep interplay of rich dried fruit, citrus peel, warm spice, and subtle oak-driven complexity, with a gentle whisper of smoke that is characteristic of the distillery’s style. Bottled at 43% ABV, it represents the oldest regular release in Benromach’s core range and typically retails in the United States around $150 - $180 depending on retailer. The long maturation and careful cask selection give this whisky a maturity and depth that befits its age statement, making it appealing to drinkers who enjoy classic Speyside richness with nuanced wood influence.
The 2025 ArdnAmerica Tour bottling is a special release from the Ardnamurchan Distillery in the West Highlands of Scotland, crafted specifically for the U.S. market as a limited edition with only about 900 bottles available. Unlike age-statement whiskies, this expression is a carefully composed cask-strength single malt (around 57.5% ABV) that combines peated and unpeated spirit matured in a blend of Sauternes barriques and ex-bourbon barrels - the peated portion offering coastal smoke influence while the barrique finish adds a layer of fortified wine-like sweetness and complexity. Although it does not carry an official age, the 2025 bottling reflects a youthful but well-integrated maturation profile, and it is typically priced in the $85-$100 USD range at retail. The ArdnAmerica Tour’s hybrid approach - marrying wine cask influence, peated and unpeated spirit, and elevated proof - gives it a dynamic flavor experience that showcases its vibrant honeyed Highland malt character with a beautiful enveloping peat.
As of February 2025, my current bottle count is over 3,500. I am a Certified Specialist of Spirits and have also been accredited by the Tequila Regulatory Council (CRT). I've been actively collecting for 31 years and what started as a small basic home bar has transformed (with the help and understanding of my wonderful wife) into this collection and career. Speaking of my career, I’m super proud to announce that my “Saints Alley “Nobleman” Rye Whiskey was named “Best American Rye” at the 2024 World Whisky Awards (Batch 5 is possibly still at Total Wine & More)! But don’t forget that our other Bourbons have also won multiple big awards and are on Total Wine shelves now! Our Flagship Port & Cognac received a Double Platinum at Fred Minnick's 2024 Ascot Awards, and "The Herald” - our Armagnac finished Bourbon - took Double Gold at the Whiskies of the World competition! Our $40 Ironroot "Sleight of Hand" (now renamed "Assemblage") Rye Whiskey won Best in Class Double Gold and made the Top 5 for Worlds Best Rye at the San Francisco Spirits Awards! And while my insanely delicious 114 proof 10-Year-Old Saints Alley "Herald Cigar Blend" Bourbon has come and gone, don't be surprised to hear of s second batch arriving mid 2026! Join Ironroot Republic's email, Facebook & Instagram for up-to-date details! Given my decades of consumer/reviewer experience, you know that I'm working hard to continue bringing you great whiskies that I'm proud of as a collector, reviewer & blender! Thank you for watching & please remember to drink responsibly. Cheers!
