Nose: Restrained. As it evolves sherry, raisins, vanilla, spice and honey become apparent, all very much intertwined. It's a good nose, but it remains very distant and seems diluted. Palate: Very smooth but thin entry - it's almost like drinking water with a little honey. It develops slowly and is all about honey, fruitcake and nougat chocolate (very much like a liquid Toblerone). Unfortunately it's too watery for its own good, and lacks impact. Finish: Short. Sweet oranges and white grapes, not much more. Unlike Aberlour A'bunadh, which practically jumps out of the bottle at you like an alien face-hugger, this is very shy and retiring. Let it sit and open for a while or you wont get much on the nose at all, and don't add any water - it isn't needed. I thought this was too subdued and seemed to be crying out forlornly to be bottled at 46%, at which strength it would have a lot more character. I much prefer the 12 year old double wood which is about half the price. This expression seems as if all the difficult but interesting bits have been sanded away. Someone who is looking for a sherried single malt that focuses entirely on easy-drinking smoothness would probably give this 4 stars, but for me it doesn't even rate 3 ... and it's excessively priced. "Average" : 77/100 (2.5 stars)