Review #084 Type: single malt scotch Proof: 43% Comments: aged 18 years, matured in American oak casks Tasted after: first up Appearance (no score): Russet color. Swirling reveals a thick line sticking to the side of the glass, legs are slow to form. Nose: 17/20 Baked apples, cinnamon, zesty lemon bars, dried apricots, strawberries and cream, honey, and a subtle earthy musty scent to help balance out the sweeter ones. This bouquet of aromas is really just a joy to nose. Palate: 34/40 The mouthfeel comes across a little thin, but it’s not lacking in flavor. Salted caramels, more dried apricots, cinnamon, buttermilk, almonds, and milk chocolate. It’s very smooth, yet also complex. Finish: 34/40 Medium finish. Starts off with a nice creamy lemon flavor, gradually becoming a little spicier with oak tannins and a sprinkle of black pepper. Then it becomes smoother again as walnuts and vanilla take over, before ending with a small puff of peat smoke. With Water: A couple drops of water made berries much more evident on the nose, accompanied by some butterscotch. On the palate there’s an addition of milk and honey which unfortunately masks some of the other milder flavors - they’re still there but you need to really be searching for them. Total: 85/100 Final thoughts: First and foremost, I genuinely love this expression. I believe that the bottle I’m sampling from tonight is my third in as many years. It’s rare to come across one so smooth yet complex, and it’s hard to do better than Oban 18 for those times when you just want an easy-sipper. That said, I generally prefer punchier expressions, which is why I cant bring myself to give it a higher score. I think this whisky had the potential for more but was watered down too much and has been handicapped by the 43% ABV. The aromas and flavors are terrific but all seem a bit muted, the mouthfeel comes across a bit thin, and the finish feels cut short. This will always be a really enjoyable dram and a crowd pleaser, but it’s too agreeable and smooth to rise above and stand out. Price: $110 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.