I have become a GF fan with the 10 and 12 both impressing. Quite a jump up pricewise however for a 21 yr scotch this is great value(if its good). Ok its good ....real good. It is not in the realm of other aged sherry heavyweights such as Glendronich and Macallen. That said I have become such a fan of the GF profile Im wanting to give this a fair shot.. Poured neat nose is restrained, time and a drop help it relax. This is quite similar to the 12 in notes with the candy fruits, oaky malt sugars and wispy smoke. Adds a bit of banana peel and some old baseball card gum. Palate is soft and supple delivery of balanced barrel tannins with sweet malt and singed brown sugar sprinkled pie crust. Dried dark fruits and bit of spice round it out. Finish is long and drying malt, heavy oak and quick fade fruits with some aged leather for good measure. This is not a powerhouse with deep dense flavors it is however a well integrated refined satisfying scotch. I don't think I would buy again at $139 as I don't see the major leap from the rest of the line. Head to head yeah Im sure it smokes the 10 and 12 but have them a month apart and this is harder to justify. I have no regrets buying though as its absolutely delicious. Its just if I spend higher$$ on whiskey I want to get something out of it, the GD 18 delivers that experience in spades. Overall a wonderful scotch that just doesn't wow me for price point.......91/100.....I may eat my words as I go through this bottle and raise the score time will tell. If you just want to see a 21 on your shelf you cant go wrong with GF