Nose: Subtle peat smoke, like pipe tobacco. Citrus oils, stone fruits, vanilla, brown sugar and leather. With water more citrus comes forward but the smoke is further suppressed, and overall the nose becomes more rounded and balanced. Over time the smoke reasserts itself. Palate: Dry arrival with lots of spices, pepper, salt and orange oil. A hint of smoke. Water sweetens the arrival a little and makes the spice notes less spiky (more like cooked curry spices rather than fresh) however it also introduces an astringent sourness. The texture is good but not remarkable. Finish: Long. Drying. Some preserved ginger and orange marmalade. This is the more elegant and aloof older brother of the 15 year old but it does not have the heft and gravitas of the younger malt. The 15 definitely presents as “bigger” and is notably more smoky, and for me it is simply more fun. Like most smoky whiskies, at around 18 years of age Benromach starts to noticeably lose pungency, and given the particularly fine, warm and soothing nature of Benromach peating I see that as an overall negative. This is a fine malt but I do not feel tempted to buy it. Tasted at the distillery. “Very Good” : 85/100 (4 stars)