Review #082 Type: single malt scotch Proof: 46% Comments: aged 24 years, matured in ex-bourbon and ex-sherry casks Tasted after: first up Appearance (no score): Treacle color. Swirling reveals a thick line sticking to the side of the glass, legs are slow to form. Nose: 17/20 Apples and cinnamon are most prevalent, accompanied by more subtle scents of milk chocolate, brown sugar, and mango. And just a whiff of something like wood polish? Palate: 36/40 Nice creamy mouthfeel. Good balance of sweet caramel, vanilla, and berry jam with bitter black tea, some oak spice, and black pepper. Finish: 35/40 Medium-long finish. It’s got some light honey sweetness throughout, with hints of ripe pears and zesty lemon. Gradually it becomes drier, eventually ending on a very dry note with mildly bitter tea tannins. With Water: A couple drops of water introduces some honey to the nose and very mild baked bread flavor to the palate. Total: 88/100 Final thoughts: This was a well-balanced and tasty dram. It certainly hints at the sweeter end of the flavor spectrum, but the spicy and peppery flavors help to keep that in check and make it a bit more dynamic and complex. I don’t know that I’d go as far as seeking this out, but I’d definitely buy a bottle if I stumbled across it at the right price. Thanks to my brother @Mark-Watson2 for the sample. Price: gifted sample 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.