Benrinnes 2004 14 Year Authentic Collection (Cadenhead's)

One of the reasons I often don't bother with cask-strength whisky is the very thing many people enjoy about it: the ability to experiment with dilution. Most of the time, I just want a drink, not a science project, and messing with water feels too much like schoolwork. However, sometimes it's worth the effort. This 14-year-old Benrinnes from Cadenhead was restrained and stingy with its flavors at the bottled strength of 56.4%. But diluted to 46-50%, it opened up like a moonflower, releasing a perfume-like aroma of lemon puff biscuits, cream, custard, and malt. Those creamy notes persisted in the mouth, with an oily texture and a hint of spice. The finish is medium in length and rich with cream. A delightful introduction to this distillery and a cure for any lazy drinker's fear of water.

Thirty-four years into my life and this is the best I've encountered so far. A colleague brought a bottle back from the distillery to the U.S., and I must say, I'll always remember that individual for letting me sample this. It's smooth with a profound flavor, lacking any overpowering peaty notes or scent. I suspect the excellence of this drink will influence my future tastings for many years.