Nose: Caramel, treacle, walnuts, dried fruit, a hint of ash and dust, sherry and diesel oil. The nose is pleasantly “dirty” but there are some lighter orchard fruit aromas in the background that keep things balanced and even a drop of honey. Palate: There is an initial dried fruit sweetness, some oak, a hint of salt and a wisp of ash. In the development the ashy flavour becomes stronger, like a cold cigarette butt, and there is an umami quality from chewy tannins. It is an interesting combination of sweet and earthy but it is not delicate. The texture is light, but not watery, and it's “dirty” like the nose but again there is that fugitive fruit presence that keeps everything from being harsh. Finish: Medium/Short. Caramel and dark fruit, light smoke and a little oak. It fades out to a bittersweet aftertaste. This blend dates to the establishment of Adelphi independent bottlers in 1992. It is produced in batches, apparently via a type of solera process, but that is no guarantee of consistency and the profile on this blend drifts depending on what whiskies are in the vat at any given time (back in the 1990s they included Lagavulin and Springbank, but not any more). There is a trace of smoke on the nose, but it is almost overshadowed by a rubbery, sulphur aroma. Although the texture is not particularly full it does have satisfying volume, bordering on roughness. I’d bet my bottom dollar there is a good deal of Glenrothes in this particular batch I’m rating, but please note that I have had bottles of this in the past that were much softer and more fruit-focused. Overall it has an old-style “big and forward” character and it reminds me of Whyte & Mackay blended scotch, but done with considerably more grace and skill. It’s certainly not dainty or thin-bodied like some other blends but it’s something of an acquired taste. If you prefer soft, crisp and “clean” blends then you will not like this at all, and likewise if you enjoy sweet, full-bodied blends with a friendly sherry influence it will probably not be to your taste either. Do you like meaty Mortlachs and farmyard Springbanks - OK, you'll love this. It’s grumpy and impolite, but it certainly has character and I have a love-hate relationship with it. It's far from being my favourite blended scotch but when I saw it recently at my local liquor shop (we only get it in occasional allocations) I bought 4 bottles and I'm not regretting it for a second. This is great value for money. “Above Average” : 82/100 (3.25 stars)