What an evening for a sample pour curtesy of @pkingmartin. Golden straw, probably around SG 1.010. Sorry for the comparison for those that get it. A good swirl causes a dense ring to form and then break into thick legs. Lovely notes of sweet, almost Pilsner-like malt and honey float up from the glass from a foot away. There’s a hearty amount of earthy peat, bit of leather and oddly maybe even denim. Going deeper there’s a tad of ginger, oak, lemon rind, red berries, brine, sandalwood and blonde espresso in there as well. So far this comes across as well balanced and unadulterated. The ethanol is inferred rather than detected. It’s like a Johnny Walker green without the puff of smoke or a more earthy and citrusy Springbank 10. Admittedly my experience is limited so I don’t have other great comparisons at this point. Maybe a more floral Highland Park 12 without the smoke. Oh so satisfying when it lands. The soft peat blanket comes in first, then a bit of heat and sweet, almost floral malt then more of the ginger and citrus… and those linger for quite a while. In fact the finish itself just doesn’t stop. It’s like watching tai-chi. Nothing abrupt. Minutes later the peat, mild oak, lemon, honey and ginger persist. This is what I imagine a full-proof hot toddy should be. There is no real phenol but it is almost medicinal in its own right. I have no idea what age this is but would guess 15 years or more. Answer please…Tobias and the Angel! Holy zikes I feel almost guilty drinking that!! Glad that the JW Green thought wasn’t too off since Caol Ila is a component of both. I’ve never had Clynelish or Caol Ila on their own but this makes me think I need to give them a try. I don’t know that I could buy this without my wife murdering me and covering it up for my life insurance, which would come close to covering the price of the bottle. I really love it, and gladly don’t miss it yet because it keeps on finishing with a tai-chi flow of sweet grain, peat and spicy citrus. Alas, old whiskey can indeed be good, quite good in fact. I love this finish!!!