Thanks for the warning on this one. Reminds me how I felt after trying the "select" Laphroaig, but thankfully that one doesn't hurt the wallet like some of these other NAS offerings.

@beardeddad: I remember tasting the Dark Origins last year. In retrospect, probably marginally better. If I had to rescore, I'd give that a "3" and this a higher, maybe "3.5". At the time I liked Dark Origins...but it still isn't as good as their standards, in my opinion

How does it compare to the HP Dark Origins? (seeing as this is it's successor). Have not had the chance to try the bottle as I'm waiting on it to make it to Australia.

Yes, they are making (a ton) of money now. At the sake of profits now, generally are distillers risking their previous and future reputations if the quality of their NAS is not on par (Valkyrie instead of HP15)? Time will tell.

@Richard: see, that's exactly my point when folks say are buying as "investment ". What's to say that fickle tastes won't switch back to vodka or any other spirit? Makes that investment tank like Enron options

@Scott: I think you're spot on. But, they are selling and making money hand over fist (how else can Diageo go on acquisitions spree?). Which makes me think folks don't care between quality aged or NAS in a fancy bottle. Personally, given the choice I'd always go for aged, since I hope that maturity = quality...but we're the exception and not the norm

Yes. Everyone cut production when tastes switched to vodka, so there's not enough supply now to meet the surge in demand. The increasing appearance of eight-year-old bottlings hints at how long it will be before there are ample supplies of 10- or 12-year bottles, let alone 18s.

That is quite a sad thing to hear. When a distillery has a dozen or so of the NAS bottlings, how much variety and quality can we actually get out of all of this? Why not save the juice for something special?

By "rushing" maturation to appease demand, the general consensus is (if I may) volume is attained at the expense of quality. The glitz and glam of fancy bottles and backstories help foster the craze. It will be interesting in this "new era" of whisky sales how much brand erosion will occur. What I mean is, how will this play out in respect to the reputation of a brand?. For instance, when you hear Highland Park/Lagavulin/Ardbeg, for instance, you think (at least I do), "that's good stuff, I want it." With this degradation/diminished quality in response to keep up with demand, you may one day see Highland Park NAS/Scapa NAS/Ardbeg NAS, etc. and pass it over for a good old fashioned, and generally, tried and true aged whisky. Additionally, will the NAS push and marketing ultimately cause buyer confusion? For example, if you see HP12 or Valkyrie in a bar or retailer, instinctively, which would you reach for and why? (I hope I am clearly conveying my thoughts??).

I think stocks are probably getting low. Can't make an 18 yr old overnight. But if I the most positive thing I have to say is about the beauty of the bottle, and the screw cork, that's not a good sign

Stocks are streched thin and greed and profit margins are ever more important. The result can be seen here, where fancy packaging and name replace intrinsic quality. Beware what you buy, malt mates!

If there is one thing I've learnt in my professional career it's that things never go right when the marketing department is in control

Why do you think they are doing this? Is it due to a lack of stock, so they have to blend different ages to keep up with demand?