Benromach Peat Smoke 2005

2008 Bottle Aroma: Vanilla, wood smoke aroma stronger than Talisker but less so than my Port Charlotte. Palate: Truly a lovely sweet vanilla and a very gentle smoke, not subtle despite being 47 ppm. It definitely reminds me of Port Charlotte but sweeter, mellower, and less sharp alcoholically. Exactly to my taste! Smoked almonds. BBQ Beef Jerky. Finish: Long and flavorful with smoke, vanilla, and a hint of lemongrass. Conclusion: I love it! The aromas are distinct, not at all diluted despite being 46% ABV, a very respectable peat level of 47 ppm (without the iodine or bitterness). I will definitely explore more Benromach (this was my first try from the distillery). $89 at the SAQ, the price is reasonable. It's around $72 (CAD) in Western Canada if you get the chance. Overall, I give it a well-deserved 89%!

Peated non-Islay whiskies are appearing frequently nowadays, but do they truly warrant attention? The nose of this Benromach 'Peat Smoke' is intensely sweet, phenolic, and oily with notes of spiced apple pie, anise, and dried herbs. It arrives zesty and bitter, with the taste developing pineapple, over-brewed tea, and hints of salt, all enveloped in cloyingly sweet honey and vegetal peatiness. Following a flat and almost abrupt finish, featuring white pepper, tannins, and traces of fennel, I must concede that this expression is merely 'another peated malt'. RATING: 3.4/5.0 stars ≙ 82 pts → ABOVE AVERAGE [-]

This distillery is doing great things recently! I enjoyed their 10 yr old, and this one offers an additional layer compared to the 10. The aroma doesn't overwhelm with peat, but it's present enough to signal what's to come. The taste begins with a milk chocolate-caramel profile, with peat gradually increasing. Then, the peat intensifies significantly. It surpasses the chocolate, leaving a lasting impression. I had this last night during a cold, rainy storm while I was comfortably warm inside watching streaming services. Ideal.

A superb peated offering from Speyside. Adding water significantly improved it, bringing out leather and white pepper. While I usually prefer spirits neat, this dramatically changed for the better with dilution. I purchased this impulsively. I am a fan of Laphroaig and Ardbeg. This provides peat without the iodine/brine found in those (my family calls it a "band-aid" scent). Even though I'm not keen on non-age-stated bottles, I would highly recommend this! Whether neat or with water, you get a single bottle with diverse characteristics.

Appearance: Straw Nose: Vanilla, peat, and campfire. Vanilla, peat, and campfire. Improved flavor harmony. (*) Palate: Honeyed, peaty, and smoky. Honeyed, peaty, smoky, and spicy (pepper). Improved flavor harmony. (*) Finish: Medium and warm Comments: Very intriguing, good complexity, but for die-hard peated whisky fans, it won't top an Ardbeg. (*) = With a few drops of water added.

I enjoy seeing highland distilleries attempt peat-smoked single malts, particularly when they succeed quite well. This one is no different - its appearance is light, typical of most highland styles, and it feels light on the palate, but it delivers a nice, velvety smoke throughout the finish. It reminds me of the Port Charlotte Heavy Peat. Very smooth, not overly dry, and genuinely enjoyable. I suspect this would complement smoked meats like pork BBQ or beef brisket very well.