Benriach peated cask strength batch 2

Color: Warm rose gold hue. Smell: Nutty Oloroso notes stand out against light, earthy peat. Hints of traditional Speyside floral aromas are present too. Taste: Dense, hazy peat smoke immediately emerges. It's complemented by a smooth, fruity malt, with a pleasant bitterness akin to cacao beans or coffee. Aftertaste: Lingering bitter notes of dark chocolate, possibly with a touch of black licorice softened by smooth banana. With water: Singed wildflowers and dry honeycomb on the nose. Tastes like a campfire s'more made with ruby chocolate. More richness develops in the finish -- the bananas transform into bananas foster.

Was genuinely impressed with this one; it's on my “special occasion/moments shelf.” If you were to combine a Peat Bomb and a Sherry Bomb, this is the result! Not excessively smoky but dark, deep, creamy, peated fruit. I'd definitely recommend this, especially considering the alcohol content which provides a thick, creamy, long finish, but I would also caution that this is not an Islay whisky, so if you're looking for those Islay flavors, you won't find them here.

From Speyside, near the Lossie River. Smells of oak, malt, peat smoke, and aged, fermented fruit. Medium body. Taste is peppery, spicy, smoky, and salty. Adding water makes it sweet initially, but then very spicy. Medium-long and hot finish. Good, but it's my least preferred. Water reduces the spice, letting sweetness emerge.