Nose: Bubblegum and malt extract. Grassy and woody, like the sweet aroma of decaying wood in a forest without any mould or unpleasant aromas. Light planky oak, crème brûlée, beeswax candles. This is maltier, way less fruity and sweet, and more restrained than the 2019 release. Palate: Gummy bears, sweet creamy malt arrival brimming with preserved fruits (pear, apricot), lots of vanilla, clotted cream and dark, almost sour, cherry. Spicy notes of cinnamon and white pepper in the development, and there are flavours of white bread and creamy ale. The mouthfeel is full and satisfying. Finish: Medium/short. Sweet malt and fruity flavours that fade fairly quickly leaving a trace flavour of ale and black tea. I very recently tasted the 2019 release of this whisky which was essentially a work in progress expression. With this “The Original” bottling the distillery has arrived at their core product going forward and, in my opinion at least, they have done a good job. The earlier releases from Glasgow distillery were ponderously banana-heavy, but they have dialled that back and brought forward the malty, ale-like notes, which was a great decision. The whisky is still very confectionery-fruity in character and a little too sweet to be called elegant but it is good honest fun and if the distillery continues to refine their products I predict they could be the next Arran in a decade or two. You read it here first. Great value as an everyday quaffing or session whisky. “Above Average” : 82/100 (3.25 stars)