This one has been on my list for something to try for a long time. Gratefully I have a brother that was kind enough to provide me a sample from his bottle to try. On the nose, there’s a rich sherry quality to this one with golden raisins, peaches, oranges, apricots, leading to a rich caramel, old polished oak, dark maple syrup, candied cinnamon almonds, a meaty quality - not Islay smoked meats but more like a bacon jam, and ocean sea salt. The taste starts with a sherry richness with creamy maple syrup mouthfeel and a hint of ocean sea salt before leading to a rich caramel with fruits of orange, raisin, peaches, a dark chocolate with pieces of candied bacon, cinnamon almonds, barrel spices with cracked black pepper and medium oak tannins in the background and the finish is long and lingers with the sherry flavors of golden raisins, caramel, smooth oakiness, and black pepper spice. I just had the Bunnahabhain 25 not that long ago and where that one was very polished, it was much softer and more refined than this. But I actually like this one more as there is a lot going on and the flavors come on strong, where the 25 is more subtle. I’ve heard other people say that some of the best Islay whisky is usually in the teens and I feel the same way since most Islay whisky drinkers aren’t looking for a soft and delicate spirit, but more of a powerhouse of flavor. This one is also a much better VFM at $140 compared to the massive price of the 25 at over $700.