Review #014 Type: single malt scotch Proof: 46.7% Comments: aged 15 years, ex-oloroso butt maturation Tasted after: Bladnoch Vinaya Appearance (no score): Auburn color. Swirling reveals a thin line sticking to the side of the glass, it starts to bead up quickly but legs are slow to form. Nose: 17/20 Raisins, almonds, and honey dominate. When I put the glass down there’s a fleeting smell of rich soil that lingers for a moment in my nostrils. Palate: 36/40 So smooth on the palate with so much red fruit flavor. Cherries and red currents mostly, but there’s raisins, dark chocolate, and baking spices here too. It’s sweet but not overly so, and well balanced. Finish: 33/40 Medium long finish, there’s a nice low-key ethanol burn accompanied by candied ginger and black pepper, then ends with a mild salty flavor. With Water: A drop of water is beneficial here, it makes the palate brighter, crisper, smoother, and a little sweeter. The ethanol burn in the finish is mildly diminished also. Total: 86/100 Final thoughts: A really enjoyable sherry bomb, purchasing this bottle makes me very happy to own a cask of Bladnoch maturing in an ex-olorosso hogshead. Price: $135 Would recommend: yes Would buy: yes Scoring Legend: 96-100: The perfect dram, absolutely exceptional, nectar of the gods, I will savor this bottle and make it last, 5 stars. 90-95: Near perfect, there is something truly special about this whisky, 4.75 stars. 85-89: Very good to amazing, almost the complete product, 4.5 stars. 80-84: Quite good, very enjoyable to drink, but doesn’t wow me, 4.25 stars. 75-79: Good, enjoyable but ultimately flawed, unlikely to purchase again, 4 stars. 70-74: A solid dram, but wouldn't go out of my way to get it, 3.75 stars. 55-69: Drinkable, 3.5-2.75 stars. Below 55: Suitable for cooking or direct contribution to the kitchen sink drain, 2.5 stars or less.