Benromach Distillery Exclusive (2004/2023)

Nose: A calm, gentle smoke mingled with a floral fragrance and a hint of citrus. It evokes a blend of peat, rose petals, and lemon blossoms. No sulfur, a touch of vanilla, and some very fresh oak aromas are present. Adding water enhances the smoke's sweetness. Palate: When tasted neat, a sweet, fruity smoke flows onto the palate. It makes the mouth water with bright citrus and light smoke, but the flavors feel constrained by the alcohol content. It truly comes alive when diluted, revealing luscious orange and lemon flavors interwoven with sweet smoke. The texture, which is oily when neat, becomes wonderfully creamy when watered down. This is nearly an ideal smoky palate for me. Finish: Medium to long, with lemon notes fading into the distance. This is an unusual yet delightful distillery exclusive that doesn't present as 19 years old, nor does it taste young or harsh. It's surprisingly light and lively, with a peat level that remains robust yet elegant. It resembles a more refined version of the classic 15-year-old. Neither the nose nor the palate are exceptionally complex, but their elements are presented flawlessly. This isn't a grand symphony, but rather a composition of a few elements executed with perfection, akin to a Liszt prelude or a Mondrian painting. Distilled on 17/05/2004 and bottled on 01/08/2023 (bottle code 230200), cask #358 (a virgin oak cask) yielded only 279 bottles of this exceptional spirit. This is the finest Benromach I have ever tasted and thoroughly deserves a high rating. If you visit the distillery, be sure to sample it, as it's the only way to experience it. Rating: "Excellent" - 89/100 (4.75 stars)