C&S barreled version of distiller Dufftown was provided to the SDT by @PBMichiganWolverine. The previous reviews weren’t so upbeat and positive. How would it be for me? Aromas are muted by a heavy wood notes and alcohol. What it partially blocks are honey, white fruit, apricots and cinnamon, cereal, like cinnamon toast. The body is thin. The palate explodes with a blast of high heat. Once the fireball subsides, the cinnamon spices/cinnamon hots roll over about the tongue. The oak tannins and high alcohol suck all moisture from the palate. For the briefest if moments, vanilla and butterscotch sweetness can be detected. As the brevity of flavors flash past towards the final delivery, the orange bitter works it's way in to the start of the finish. The finish is all wood and oranges rinds that is long lasting and warming. Water manages the wild nature of the dram. But the addition washes out everything it touches and the whisky becomes drab and dull. The fireball explosion is the most memorable about this whisky. The aromas and flavors exists but they are jumbled and thrown about, ever so brief. This is one that requires work and tenacity and unfortunately whisky sipping should not be a chore. This one challenges the sense for sure. [82/100][Tasted: 3/30/18]