Tastes

The nose comes up as sweet at first, more like a caramel. The first taste is a bit spicy, and just a tad bit of smoke. Water really opens it up it in this one; a cube of ice will do wonders. For the price, yeah...it's expensive for a 15 yr old sherry. You can do better for the price.

There's nothing really noteworthy in this dram. And not that every dram has to be amazing---but this one seemed to have found that unique space between "not bad" and "affordable". it's great for the entry into single malts, but honestly--1lacks the depth and character of a 12 yr old. Would I buy this again? Probably not. But would I drink this one again? Sure...it's not bad.

The nose is sweet and clean---apricots and white peaches. I tasted it first without water or ice--- very silky and smooth, floral and fruity. Added an ice cube--- now the taste is crisper, less fruity and floral. Almost like a white zin ( if you like white zin, add ice... Else don't). Personally--- I'd do without the addition of water or ice in this one

Sweet aroma followed by a pretty crisp clean sweet palette. It's a great after dinner sipper, maybe almost a replacement for dessert.

It's good...just not great. The color is obvious from the first fill sherry. But, for NAS, it's quite expensive. I'm just not convinced, at least in my personal tastes, if this particular NAS commands this price. I'd instead buy a Yamazaki 18 for $100 less, or a Balvenie 21 yr Portwood for $100 less as well. From the taste of it...I'm sure the Balvenie 21 and Yamazaki 18 are both older than this one. (I took an educated guess that this might be a 16 yr old)

The first fill sherry casks shows up at the onset. This is a classic example of a good single malt. The biggest downside (and hence the four starts instead of five) is the price. For a NAS single malt, and close to $400, you can do better (think almost 2 bottles of Yamazaki 18 or 3 bottles of Highland Park 18)

Definitely needs ice or water to break up that high ABV. Let it sit for a while, and the flavors really start to show. I liked this much better than even Pappy (blasphemy!!!). Can't beat the price...just above $55 . Only downside? Without ice...you'll be drunk by the 2nd glass (or end of the first one).

As soon as you open the bottle, you get the aroma of burning wood. The palette then gives way to a bit of lemon, honey, and almost floral. But...the finish is back to the warm wood taste again. This is classic Islay at its best. Really not bad for the price. If you want an entry into Islay, this is the gateway. Also...adding a bit of water or an ice cube, and leaving it out for a bit really does wonders. The palette became sweet with a hint of smoke. Almost like having a Kansas City barbeque.

The single grain is much better than their standard small batch or the single malt. I don't think they produce their own single malts or the standard batch anyway. Well worth it for the price.

I'm not sure it's worth the price it commands. It's way to simple and lacks the complexity of similar products in that price range. Not bad...but, for it's price...can do much better. It may improve with age, who knows...just seemed too young, with too much wood influence and not enough depth