Benromach 40 (Batch 2 2022)

Nose: Immense, rich, and enveloping velvety layers of rum-soaked raisins, butterscotch sauce, honeycomb, golden syrup, and cherry liqueur. A subtle presence of fragrant tobacco, luxurious leather jacket, and cinnamon brioche, and it grows richer and softer over time. With patience, you'll eventually detect sandalwood and cedar. Among the finest whisky noses I've encountered. 96/100. Palate: Intense initial taste balancing exotic spices, nuts (with their bitter skins), and fruits preserved in armagnac. A developing dryness surges towards a peppery sharpness as ancient tannins threaten to dominate, but this suddenly subsides into a pleasant warmth that gradually becomes quite sweet and remarkably like Christmas pudding. There's no hint of the alcohol's presence, and I feel no inclination to add water. 90/100 Finish: Long. Extremely long. A fine mild cigar with a cup of sweet, slightly over-steeped Keemun tea and a pistachio baklava. 92/100. This evaluation is based on a bottle from batch 2 of this whisky, with the bottle code 12/09/22 220257. It's a magnificent creation that, like all truly exceptional whiskies, warrants an entire book chapter to detail its excellence. As I savor the last few sips in my glass, it continues to evolve. This is a narrative, not merely a drink. Tasted at the distillery. “Truly Outstanding”: 90/100 (5 stars)