Benromach Exclusive Single Cask, New Hampshire

Picked up one of 221 bottles from barrel 377 on my recent trip to the granite state. Box states “sweet honey with hints of tropical fruits & berries complimented by luscious light peat smoke” I first tried this neat and I have to say, it is very smooth and the ABV at 59.9% is well hidden. I was very surprised at how much peat I got on the nose, not typical of a Speyside at all, smells more like an Islay. The palate started off slightly sweet and I could get a touch of the honey and some fruit but I would not call it tropical. The peat slowly worked it’s way in towards the end and was much more balanced than the nose suggested. Had a moderate spicy finish with some sweetness coming back at the very end. Adding a touch of water opened up the fruits a little bit and balanced out the peat even more. Although I was expecting a summer sipper, I ended up getting something I think I would rather have on a fall night around a camp fire. Overall, a nicely balanced scotch that I am happy to have in my collection!