The nose opened with large round notes of butterscotch, brown sugar, smoky oak, sweet malt and tropical fruit (pineapple). These aromas are followed by the scent of old books (musty), lemon furniture polish, buttered biscuits, warm vanilla custard and dates. The influence of the ex-bourbon barrels is strong. Salty butterscotch is the first flavor note to hit the palate along with sweet malt, pineapple, mint, spicy oak and creamy vanilla. At 57% ABV there is some alcohol burn, but it fades quickly. The finish is long and warm, filled with spicy oak, mint, vanilla, charred smoke and just a hint of peat. Adding water brings out a lot more peat and sweet malt, and also reveals some ripe red fruit that was not present at full strength. Much of the bourbon influence (butterscotch, brown sugar, spicy oak and vanilla) has been pushed to the background. The character of the whisky has shifted considerably, but it remains full, rich and lush. With or without water the Benromach 10 year Imperial Proof is an excellent whisky. 4 out of 5 stars. Highly recommended!