markjedi1 scored this whisky 87 points

In 2009 Gordon & Macphail – the company that owns Benromach – was able to launch the first ever 10 Year Old of their own production. An important milestone, to be sure. Strangely enough, I did not do well immediately. When it was relaunched in 2014, in a smart new packaging, it did get noticed and since then it sells like cupcakes. The Benromach 10 Year Old even won quite a few awards already. It was followed by a Benromach 10 Year Old 100° Proof (meaning 57,0% ABV), which is also met with nothing but kudos. Well, there is little choice but to give it a try then, eh?
The nose is very special – a bit old school. I can hardly call it fruity. I do get some blood oranges, but then also some shoe polish, mahsed potatoes and some salt. Loads of walnuts and a bit of eucalyptus. Yes, very special, but also very good.
The whisky has a great body. It hits the taste buds with walnuts, apples and blood oranges, autumn leaves and some stockfish. A nice smokiness develops (that has nothing to do with peat) with some spices. I am reminded of pepper, wasabi and ginger. Hint of chewing tobacco. The saltiness becomes big. Great balance.
The finish is very long, dry like leather on oranges and walnuts.
Wow, what a great whisky indeed. Not for beginners, I dare venture. Adding a teaspoon of water is no luxury.