Benromach Peat Smoke 2005

Benromach is doing things really well lately! I loved their 10 yr old, and this one adds one more dimension on the 10. The nose isn't overwhelming with peat, but strong enough to let you know what you're in for. The taste then starts with a milk chocolately-caramel type, with peat building up. Then the peat kicks in overdrive. It over takes the chocolate, and leaves a lingering finish. I had this last night while Joaquim was pounding us in central NJ with its cold 50 degree rain storm, while I'm nicely warmed inside with this while watching Netflix. Perfect.

A Speysider with the phenol notes cranked up to 11... Hats off to the people of Benromach. They really showcased their skills with Peat Smoke. Very similar to Ardbeg 10 as far as phenolic flavor and overall presence, but I find the malt to be less Speyside and more Highland. I'm thinking maybe Glenmo' 10 with Ardbeg phenols. It's got more sweet and citrus notes ringing out from the peat and smoke. It's really great whisky! It's going to be a wonderful Winter this year!

Excellent peated entry for a Speyside. Totally changed (for the better) with some water added. Leather and white pepper come to the fore. I typically always enjoy drams neat but this improved and changed so much I made an exception. I bought this on a whim. I'm a Laphroaig and Ardbeg fan. This has the peat without the iodine/salinity of those (my kids call it "band-aid" smell). While I'm not a fan of NAS bottles. I would heartily recommend this! Neat or diluted gives you a single bottle with multiple personalities.