Over the course of the holiday week, I spent some time sipping and exploring this whisky. My first experience was not most pleasurable, granted, under non-ideal conditions. From a sample pack I received, I was afforded a second opportunity and under better conditions (at home with a Glencairn). Given time, the discernible aromas are floral and fruity of heather-honey and vanilla. Ripened orchard fruit of pears/apples with a light touch of leather and tangerine zest make a presence. Surprisingly, an arrival in a thin body that is initially bitter, given that the nose is generally sweet. Glimpses of honey sweetness and vanilla. An earthy, mineral quality arrives that gives a slightly odd and out of character sensation, given the previous sweet aroma and slightly bitter arrival. A short and bittersweet finish leaving the palate with remnants of oak and ginger. This is gentle, inoffensive and somewhat simplistic. However, there are no coherent or synergistic qualities. It has all the standard Speyside attributes, but none of them work together which makes it a straightforward, common dram. Good and safe and worth relegating to social situations or as an everyday dram. Much on par with The Glenlivet 12. [Dry Glass: Vanilla, brown sugar][84/100][Tasted: 12/30/16; 8/6/14 @ Davis Park Casino]