Assessed in a Glencairn spirits nosing glass. Aroma - Neat - Not a ton going on here. Mild green apple, mild vanilla and a touch of oak. Adding a few drops of water . . . this has amplified the green apple but done little else. Taste - Neat - Pretty one-dimensional. Tart apple, vanilla bean and wood. Adding a few drops of water . . . This has dumbed it down. I am only picking up mild oak and vanilla. Final thoughts - It tastes like whiskey. And not an impressive one. I see stellar reviews for the Blue Notes with age statements. Not sure what the craze is for the 9. I’ll hold out for the 17 and see what it’s like.