So after a halcyon month of May off hooch (try it sometime, I learned new things about myself and others), I let fly the cork of the first fifth of this year's summer drinking collection. And believe-you-me, I was worried my palate would be mossy, even a trifle askew from disuse, but much to my delight, it's still with me, because I could readily tell this stuff is, well... sorta-kinda-crappy. Don't get me wrong, for the price, it's perfectly drinkable, even enjoyable, but if I started my whisky odyssey with this blend, I don't think it would have had the same momentum... Nose: "Son of Aberfeldy 12". Uncanny resemblance. It's a "core malt", I know, but still stands out above the other 39 players. Mostly oak, light pear and ginger ale, plus a touch of mustiness, like an old library book. Seriously, if you like this nose, you'll LOVE Aberfeldy on its own. Palate: Here's where the apple falls far from the tree... A surprisingly creamy, yet thin flavor of tired oak and vanilla stumbles awkwardly over tangerine and a not entirely welcome bittersweet, tea-like astringency. Finish: more of the same. Both palate and finish are less bittersweet with (just a half-teaspoon) of water, but unfortunately softens the nose (it's only redeeming feature, IMHO). The grain components are better integrated and less noticeable than other blends I've sampled... but still a suboptimal dram. Dry glass: sweet grain and dry orange peel.