I believe this is a very enjoyable dram. I even think this is one of the best 18yo whiskies i have had, and i truly believe that it should deserve more than the 4.0 im giving it, but it really is a dram that will be forgotten over time. It is just as the glenfiddich 18yo, a kinda fancy, easy drinkable dram, not made for critics (or people like me who believe themselves as whisky critics) because it lacks emotion.
But it is a very enjoyable dram.
Bottled at 43%abv, amber color.
On the nose, milk chocolate, Nutmeg, White wine, Vanilla plant, Cake crest, apricot and After a while it develops into creme brulee (burnt caramel).
On the palate, it is very pleasant. Very easy. Spicy clove, Caramel, Apricot Some nuttiness. Oily and oaky but absolutely balanced. Dry vanilla cake. More Clove.
Finish is short, winey and spicy.
It is almost the twin brother of glenfiddich 18yo (and i truly believe they compete against each other). It is very enjoyable, but not a high scorer. 86 over 100, feels like it could get more, but giving it more would be unfair to more exciting whiskies. This one is to enjoy while sat on a relaxed afternoon. Cheers!