Nose: Gentle but very complex. Honey sweetness, bright citrus - like orange, lemon, and grapefruit influence, sea salt like standing by the fresh sea breeze. Warm soft smoke lingers in the background-reminiscent of pleasant pipe tobacco and camp smoke. There’s also a sweet character which reminds me of sherry cask influence in the DE, though I’m 95% sure there’s no sherry in this whisky. I could take in this aroma all day. Palate: Honey sweetness and orange citrus at the front. The whisky warms up gently as sea salt flavors emerge and the characteristic black pepper shows up. The finish is long, lingering, and it demands another sip - leaving behind honey and citrus sweetness and billows of mellow pipe smoke finally appear at the end. This one stays with you. Amber colored and medium bodied, this whisky has a mouthfeel like melting chocolate - smooth, full, and silky. This is a perfect single malt. Everything Talisker 10 does so well is elevated and perfect in 18. Just give it some time in the glass- it does get better with time!