I received this as a Christmas gift a over a year ago and have been waiting for a special moment to open it, which did finally arrive (birthday and graduations). I originally only briefly sampled this at a whisky tasting, and although it was sampled in plastic and with a small amount, I fell in love. I finally got to sit down and take it all in. This is lightly apple juice colored with long legs. The aromas are all light and not overpowering, but you can detect all the notes. The first scent is that of lightly charred sooty cedar. Exploring past the smoky notes, sweet, real maple syrup, toffee and brine blend in. A bit further and more time coffee and honeysuckle swirl about. All the aromas are delightfully blended and makes for a wonderful bouquet. In a medium-light body, the arrival is sweet, salty and smoky like hickory-smoked brown sugared bacon...nice! The arrival seques to a slightly spiced black pepper and ginger root. Cocoa and tropical fruit of pineapple and toasted coconut, toffee and milk chocolate rounds out the the flavors and the mix of salt, sweet and spice make a wonderful balanced palate. As it fades, charred oak is delivered to the finish. The finish is wonderfully long. Oak, lemon zest and a medium-bodied-style cigar ash/charcoal remain. A slightly warming black pepper spice and spearmint are the last remnants to close the delightful experience. The variety and balance of aromas and flavors is amazing. Not an overpowering, smoky whisky like the 10 year old version; not too sweet or spicy. The flavors are so mingled and yet discernible. Complex and approachable. An exemplar whisky. [Dry glass: Melted caramels] [95/100][Tasted: 6/17/17] ------------------------------------------------- Initial Tasting: 10/15/2014 : I recall thinking, Wow! after tasting. Smokey, salty Talisker signature nose, but not overpowering. On the palate, sweet smoke, brine and pepper. Rich, creamy, full body. Spicy warm finish. A mature, extremely well-balanced dram. One for the collection. [$139] ———————————————— Talisker 18 No review tonight. I just wanted to sip one of my favorite scotches on the eve of some emotional days waiting ahead. Sipping in a calm just reflecting as my favorite mother in law, too soon, passed. Hectic few days so far. Up and down emotions; reminiscing some memories as we wait for our son to arrive. Just wanted something good and special as we remember a strong, loving, caring woman who will be missed. [8/11/19]