So far The Balvenie are a bit like Richard Linklater for me - a safe pair of hands and usually can be relied on to deliver the goods (and it seems Everybody Wants Some). First tasted (ahem, Before Midnight) after a Glenfiddich 15yo Solera and a Scapa. I was impressed but the longer I drank it the more I thought it had a cloying sweetness. Perhaps this was in comparison to the Scapa which, while sweet enough, had a maritime saltiness. In any event, in later samplings I didn't get that over-sweetness. It had a pleasant smell of chocolate, candied fruits, baileys cream, and a bit of fresh sawdust (oak?). A light, spicy taste with clove and orange mainly registering. No real need for water - only a sparing drop or two. The finish was on the short side. Four stars. Looking forward to my unopened Single Barrel 15 year old.