I saw a three pack of 50 ml samplers for AUD$30. Thought, why not. Original was two nights ago and an acceptable launch point that set up an unceremonious fall last night with the 12. Now the 18 beckons. And I’m still sad from last night and my burnt palate! N: off to a poor start with a weak profile. Some feint honey, dusty/musty oak and a little malty cereal. Drying and with a little acetone this is not the best. P: Still some of the 12s burning inferno but its not nearly as bad, its definitely tempered. Abruptly malty and a little sour. There is a background iodine peat note but without any smokiness. It feels thin and a little watery, which is a shame as they’ve bumped it to 46%. F: Moderate. The heat kicks about, but if you can be bothered to look there is more slightly sour malt to be found. Ever drunk water from a really old water fountain, probably at the back end of a high school corridor? That metallic coppery taste? Yeah, thats come to the party. A good hit of water has lifted the nose and there is some welcome sweetness. The palate cools off and there is a pleasant smoke with an increase in body and fullness (thats odd). Water has killed off the finish leaving heat high and far back on the throat. Ultimately another fail. Better than the 12, sure. Thats easily achieved by most things though, like dirty dishwater, or an oily puddle. I could offer more suggestions but it is making me sad again. For 18 years this is rough, lacks depth, flavour, or a well managed profile. If you need almost as much water in your glass as whisky to make it approachable then somethings very wrong indeed. My own fault I guess, the price of AUD$115 for an 18 year old should of set the alarm bells ringing for the Australian market. Stick with the LL Original at half the price; that at least is interesting (although I still don’t know if I like it). (Kenyanthrops platyops in picture because thats just how I roll). Distiller whisky taste #90