Picked this up today so I could take home that Cigar Blend...some might think "you paid MORE for a bottle to get another?" And that's sane, but I've wanted one of these forever but locally they're over priced. So I needed an excuse to over pay, and that was it. Nose - Classic Balvenie heather honey, oak, and hints of sherry. That said...it's got something off. There's this sweet and savory middle element that comes off...younger or cheaper...it doesn't have a place in a bottle that sells for 400+ in the states or about 300 USD in the UK. There's not enough depth or nuance here for the price tag and it's not nearly that different from a single cask 15 (bourbon or sherry) when you really get into it. Taste - This is so smooth, easy drinking, and yet it's got a complex and nuanced finish. Buttery and savory meets honey and light toasted oak. Smoke, toffee, chocolate, waxy oils, and just chewy. I love the balvenie malt. It's among the best malts in the world. That said... So I thought I had a 15 sherry around, I don't so I'm opening a 15 bourbon. Lets compare. Oh man...first taste and I'm thinking I have a pick. Those old 15 year old (this is 16) bourbon single casks have something magical about them. They have this dusty funky awesome element with that EPIC balvenie malt. And this one is no exception, it's truly amazing for what it was....a well under 100 dollar scotch!. So if the 1509 better than the 15 year? I think so....but I'm not saying it's for sure. I've had great 1509. This batch 6 doesn't wow me. So I'm at a 2.75 here. Pass guys. Buy the 15 sherry or bourbon cask if you can find them for up to 85% the price of this.