I've been drinking Glenfiddich for years, and have had multiple bottles of the younger core expressions, as well as a couple from the experimental line. Yet, this bottle was my first encounter with the 18 year. To me, Glenfiddich is the definition of 'above average.' I've liked every expression I've ever had, yet none have crossed over into the realm of greatness. Let's see if the 18-year can crack the code. Note: Not sure if they've revamped this one but since I bought it, but this is 43% as opposed to the 40% listed on Distiller. This one came in the brown square box Glenfiddich was putting out prior to the packaging change (haven't seen a new look for the 18 yet.) Mine is from Batch No. 3349. Nose: Green apple, pear, apricot, and zesty orange. Some bourbon notes: vanilla, caramel, and brown sugar. Milk chocolate and toffee. Cantaloupe and honeydew. Honey and a syrupy note. Oak and some surprising green notes. It's fresh, it's fruity, it's sweet. Quality nose. Palate: Cranberry, raisin, and red apple. The Olorosso is more prominent here. Milk chocolate, vanilla frosting, and some more orange zest. Green apple, pear, and apricot translate from the nose. Banana thrown in. Some walnut and almond. Toffee and nougat. Some baking spice and oak. Holds true to the nose with a few additions. Solid. Finish: More of the apple, pear, and apricot, which leads directly into caramel and vanilla. Then there's some cinnamon and other baking spices. Oak as well. Relatively short, even at 43%. New expression. Same result. Above average. Solid on the nose and the palate. Abrupt on the finish but still quality. I factored in price. $100 for an 18-year old single malt? Unheard of, at least here in NJ. If you want a well-aged Speyside, give this a go.