Benrinnes 25yo 1988/2013

Benrinnes 25yo 1988/2013

Authentic Collection, WM Cadenhead
Single malt - Speyside
Pale green gold
53% ABV
Mini

Nose: Malty beer, roast ham, peaches, mint, pears, hints of tobacco leaf. With water, sea salt, smoked ham, dark chocolate. 
Mouthfeel: Medium body, cool, astringent, tingly. 
Tasting:  Bitter sour. Leather, peaches, pears, vanilla, lemon zest, hints of peat. With water, more bitter, ginseng, peaches, leather, tobacco leaf. 
Finish: Medium. Lemon zest, mint, vanilla, hints of black tea. 

Comments: 

This whisky is tart and bitter neat, with delicious fruity notes. With water, it opens up, but turns bitter and herbal, with tobacco and ginseng masking the fruit. I think it's better neat, but be prepared for a big prickle of alcohol. Once you get through that, it's great.

Verdict:

I like this.