hs305 scored this whisky 91 points

These old Benromach drams have nothing in common with the actual Benromach releases except for the name. After Benromach was closed in 1983 all the original equipment (mashtun, stills, condensers...) was removed from the buildings, except for the washbacks. When Gordon&MacPhail purchased Benromach in 1992 they had to install a completely new distillery in these empty buildings. The size of the new stills is much smaller than the original ones and the shape is different, too. So, the profile of the malt produced after the re-opening of Benromach in 1998 is very different (much lighter) to that of the spirits distilled in the old stills until 1983. And this bottling is a good example for that...
This is an excellent dram that changes its profile minute after minute and adds new flavours and aromas constantly over time, really nice. And it owns a flavours profile that perfectly fits to the upcoming christmas time. But drink it (and take samples) right after opening the bottle as it is harmed by oxydation and looses some attractiveness when exposed to air (e.g., in a half-empty bottle).
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The colour is russetmuscat and the texture shows very slow legs and late sticky tears (a fat oiliness that promises a great mouthfeel and finish). The nose is bold and complex on an adorable old style sherry profile with dozens of different aromas: chocolate, oranges, dates, dried plums, almonds, walnuts, old leather, furniture polish, lovage, spicy woods and a hint of smoke (and many more). Nicely balanced and without any off-note, I really like that!
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The taste repeats the complex profile of the nose while adding thyme, cocoa and the flavours of old english marmelade to the party of aromas. Water is not needed at all (it just flattens the dram).
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The mouthfeel is as great as the texture promised: silky and creamy with no distracting moments like bitterness or astringent feelings. The finish is long and literally sticks to the palate. Here more earthy, chalky (like an excellent wine) and even some smokey flavours are added without any distracting moments, again.