Nose: Sherry, orange, malt, honey, dried fruit, vanilla. Palate: Soft, sherried, fruity and lightly honeyed arrival. This profile develops into a more amplified version of itself, with almonds and soft fruit also appearing - apricots (definitely) peach, nectarine, prunes, very dark almost over-ripe cherries. The fruit becomes more varied and bolder, the honey broadens and spreads to create a very luscious mouth-feel, and the background sherry builds gradually. However it's the fruits that dominate, with apricot and peach becoming unmistakable. There is just the tiniest hint of spice, but they are warm and subtle baking spices (nutmeg, cumin, caraway, etc.). Finish: Medium. It fades away gracefully, just as it built gracefully in the development. A soft sweetness stays around for ages. A class act. This reminds me in many ways of Glenfarclas 12 but with a softer and fruitier personality. The Glenfarclas is a highland gent in tweeds, this is a gracious and rather attractive lady of a certain age. She's just as slow to make your acquaintance as he is, but once you have done so the conversation is charming and witty. A well-crafted whisky that showcases the delights of a sherried-fruit character without becoming an overbearing sherry-bomb. Add a few drops of water (and I mean literally just a few drops) and give it a swirl and rest. The nose resets and starts to develop all over again with oak now appearing. The spice is highlighted on the palate which evolves into a fruit tray of flavours, supported by sherry. The finish becomes even more pervasive and subtle. A fine whisky and absolutely not one to rush. It's good value for money - in fact I'd say this is one of the best buys in single malts if you are looking for an easy-going fruity, sherried expression with some depth. (Note that its sibling, the more difficult to obtain 12 year old un-chillfiltered expression, is an even finer dram and better value still). "Good" : 84/100 (3.75 stars)