Nicole, apparently my newest whisky pal, surprised me with a generous pour of this for my birthday. (Charles may have publicly suggested it, but she could have said no.) Short of a trip to Scotland, I’d likely not have been able to try this. I smell antique leather and sweet earthiness immediately. Charles astutely notices dewy water. On the palate, I sense green olives; Nicole notices that it’s briny. The antique leather note is consistent, while the earthiness morphs into a gentler peat flavor. I taste salted cashews as well. There’s a subtly sweet, red fruit note at play as well, something like overripe raspberry. But that sweetness is understated, quietly undergirding the earthy and briny flavors that keep expanding. Smoke and salinity unfurl on the skull shining finish. Steve is captivated by this as well, remarking on the opening effect of what I attribute to the abundant proofing of this whisky. This was a wonderful gift to experience with some of the best people around!