Benromach 10 Year

Nose: Earth, leather, malt, caramel and peat smoke lead the way but as you get past those aromas it becomes apparent that this is at heart a winey nose with a very well handled sherry influence. There's a fruity hint and some waxed pine wood furniture in the background, and if you smell deeply there's a little ethanol hit with citrus and grassy notes in attendance. Palate: Sweet woody and malty arrival that develops into a rich fruity palate. Somewhere along the way a delightful smokiness suddenly blossoms in the mouth, accompanied by a warm, buzzy glow of spices - ginger and sweet paprika - and mixed herbs. There's an oily and even faintly briny citrus note, but it's not a maritime profile - just a couple of flakes of salt with a drop of lemon juice. A very nice texture. Finish: Long, salty, smoky and meaty, like a sugar-maple smoked ham. The lingering aftertaste is citrus/herbal and delicately smoky. A subtle and well balanced whisky that recalls the stronger aromas and more potent smokiness of the 15 year old but does not attempt to mimic them - you can just easily see the same DNA in evidence. The nose is excellent and keeps unfolding right through the tasting. A few drops of water enhances the woody notes throughout and unveils a little sweetness. [The dry glass aroma is astonishingly reminiscent of esturine mud-flats at low-tide]. Amanda Schuster's note that "This is one of those whiskies that stimulates the palate and actually makes one hungry for food" is right on the mark. This is a wonderful aperitif. Beautiful, complex but well-balanced whisky at a very reasonable price. For those who prefer a more forceful dram, there is the 100 proof 10 year old that is essentially the same whisky as this but turned up to 11. This potent forcefulness carried more intensity of flavour, but in my opinion a little less nuance. Both are solid 4 star whiskies. Recommended. "Very Good" : 86/100 (4 stars)

juppjupp

I enjoyed this over 3 cubes to help mellow the initial sip. It isn't the best pairing for sushi, but I'll try it with BBQ next time. Great to just sip by the woodstove, too.