Stop number 44 on the SDT is Aultmore. This Speyside distillery flies a little under the radar. They don't seem to have much vested in marketing or distribution as I haven't really heard anything about them. This 18 year old is bottled at 46% ABV and is non chill filtered. It is a natural golden color. It is available here in Michigan for $150, but my brother found it on his Naval base in Maryland for $100 so I had him grab it for me. $100 for an 18 seems like a good price in my opinion. The nose is very light. Honey, cereal malt and barley sugar are the predominant notes here. Light fruits, apricots, peaches, melon and plums. Hints of toffee and butterscotch and maybe a touch of mint. Some distant sherry notes, but they seem weak and bitter. Strawberry flavored hard candies. There is a musty/damp feeling to it. An odd rye-like warmth appears at times, it's earthy even though this scotch in unpeated. Sadly there is an off metallic note that comes and goes. Really a disappointment of a nose for an 18 year old. The palate is fruity with a spicy kick. Stronger than the nose would imply, but still not very powerful. Melon, apricots and old oak. Light bourbon notes, weak vanilla and toffee. The spice really comes into play after a few sips suggesting European oak. This is also where some bitter tannins appear, suggesting that European oak is in the form of old refill casks. Some bitter nuts, like raw walnuts are in there. I do enjoy walnuts but in this case not so much. Honey, malt and a touch of dark chocolate rounds things out. A light to medium bodied mouthfeel with a light oiliness that turns very dry. The finish is medium length. Dry, wood spice and a big helping of those bitter tannins. This finish really reminds me of the finish on the Tomatin 12 year old, which I forgave because it was only $35. A big disappointment for the age and the price. Far too light on the nose and if it didn't have the spice on the palate the whole thing would have been immensely boring. The finish is too bitter and makes me not want to continue drinking it. In other words, I have half a bottle that I'm willing to trade... I would have scored this a 3.25, but the price knocks it down to 3. Cheers