Nose: Honey, nutty and mild mixed dried fruit aromas against a sherry backdrop. There is a little spiciness and after resting for a while a very pleasant oak note emerges accompanied by the faintest touch of smoke (or maybe it’s just barrel char). Palate: A semi-sweet honey and fruit arrival that develops into nutty and milk chocolate flavours. There is also some malted cereal and a pleasant oak note as it unfolds. Finish: Medium/short. Soft and relaxed, vanilla, caramel and a little spice in the aftertaste but no bitterness. There is a light touch to the presentation and a sense of good refill oak, but it’s a rather old-fashioned style of blend that is designed for easy drinking. It delivers just enough complexity and depth to be satisfying. There’s nothing challenging about it, but neither is it bland or dull - in fact it has good balance. It also repays being given a chance to rest in the glass and some very nice notes become apparent over time. Don’t hurry this whisky or just use it as a mixer – it’s good as a sipping blend. The only big downside is the price, which puts it in competition with several superior blends and more than a few very good single malts. If it cost half the price it could be my go-to everyday scotch blend, but as it is I don't often buy it. “Above Average” : 81/100 (3 stars)