Not a bad dram, but it certainly does not measure up to the 12. The use of casks is quite clever and gives this whisky a multilayered dimension, but it has its flaws. There are pleasant notes of Granny Smith apples, almond paste, nutmeg, and dark chocolate. They all come together nicely, but it somewhat goes sour towards the finish. Quite literary too. The finish is bitter, though the touch of salt is nice. The 17 and 21 are better options.