The nose is smooth with creamy vanilla, along with a subtle burst of white pepper. Oak, straw and a little barley sugar sweetness rounded out. The intensity that is present is a clear indicator that this is well aged. If you could wrap up all the notes you'd want to find any blended Scotch, it would be this. The palate is gentle as it fills the mouth with creamy oak and vanilla, straw, touches of smoke and honey, and just enough sweetness to balance it out. There's a nice depth to what is going on here, making it quite enjoyable for what it is. The finish is medium long and chewy, with a subtle lingering pepperiness, as well as notes of oak and straw that coat the mouth and slowly fade. This is a great and affordable expression for a well aged scotch, delivering on a variety of fronts. It may not be complex, but what you do get is rich in deep and absolutely enjoyable.