The nose, which takes some time to open up, is comprised of lightly salted caramel toffee, dark fruits, toasted cereals, heather, Marcona almonds, modeling clay, marmalade, vanilla, and gentle spices showcasing both sherry and bourbon cask influence. On the tongue it’s rich, dark honey sweet, citrusy, mildly spicy, and a little oaky. There are stewed prunes, cassis, Seville oranges, and an almost rhum agricole funk. Full bodied, velvety and slick in the mouth. In the glass it falls quickly in sheets with no legs forming at all, leaving a few heavy droplets clinging behind and just the fringe of a skirt at the very top of the Glencairn. The finish is a bit short, slightly dry, sweet and nutty but not too tannic, like penuche fudge with chopped walnuts, but with more of that bourbon barrel spice and vanilla shining through. A little smoke too (char rather than peat) plus lingering minerality. A little water opens up the nose and smoothes out the palate, but don’t overdo it. Nose: 8 Taste: 9 Body: 8 Finish: 9