The 46% does greet you and hang around. Give'r some air and time to wake up. Out of the gate 15 years comes out Hot. And the fruit pinging off the copper is citrus.. soft lemon with quality pot still taste of Midleton. Some vanilla bouncing around. The 46% might be bringing out more wood smoke but a bit-o-water can tame it down and highlight the copper pot flavor. At the price? I'd grab the 12.. tad smoother but you'll miss the lemon. This one for the quid just doesn't line up. Great for the cold winter months..