Benromach 10 Year Old Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whisky (750ml) (Previously $50)

This expression was distilled from malt peated to 12 to 14 ppm, and aged for 9 years in 80% bourbon and 20% sherry casks before a final year in more sherry casks. Sweet smoke on the early nose, with malt, vanilla, quite dry sherry, apple, and toffee. Smoky barley, vanilla, subtle sherry, and light honey on the palate. Peaches, ginger, and woodsmoke on the medium-length finish. Very accomplished. *Editors' Choice* (GS, Summer 2020) (6/2020)

This copper-hued whiskey offers concentrated caramel, pecan pie and oak aromas. The palate is oaky and drying, not as luscious as the aroma suggests, showing vanilla and spice, plus hints of baked apple and cocoa. Adding water brings out more nutty flavor and a whiff of smoke. (KN) (12/2017)

Made after the reopened Benromach distillery fired up again in 1998, this Speyside malt has everything going for it. The nose is full of intense, toasty barrel aromas with loads of spice. The flavors are woody with cedar oak and rich, nutty accents that mingle together with soft hints of smoke. The smoke really kicks in at the back and the finish is long and satisfying. A great accomplishment for Benromach that shows their potential promise for further aged whiskies.