Thanks for the tip-off Amanda. Agree why you rated this 98, though mysteriously it doesn't make Serge at whiskey fun's 90 benchmark coming in at 87. I give it top whack. NOSE-dark cherry alright! Unlike most other noses, interesting that there is no floral which you might expect ; PALATE- yes, raisins a plenty, dark chocolate with high cocoa, creamy vanilla (as opposed to thin-wood-vanilla you get in some budget Highland malts) can't make out the dates and though i like dates they do have a bland taste so no problem; the body is velvet, rich, thick even more than a Dalmore 18 year! FINISH- Yup as Amanda says it goes on forever. I'm now too much in awe to touch the bottle again, and dare not show it to friends. The price is right, it's just too good to drink regularly PS no water/ice required, thats a sin! :)