Stout bottle and handsome presentation. A subtle, dignified dram. Nose of mostly oak, then faint pear, ripe banana. Added water reveals ginger ale, some vanilla and a hint of orange zest. There is also a light mustiness, like the pages of an old tome... Bold oak on the palate, simple cereals, dark spices, moderate burn. Finishes dry with powdered cocoa, earthy floral notes, faint dried fig. Comparable to Balvenie DoubleWood 12, but with a more interesting nose, better finish and a much more attractive price. A solid, neutral, benchmark whisky. Dry glass: light cocoa and faint milled soap.