Another consecutive Wednesday and I find myself perfectly alone. Let me kick it up with a gifted 18 year Aberlour while I finish season two of Westworld. A rich, but gentle sherried beginning, undoubtedly. Orchard fruits aplenty, but complementary to the sherry. Plumbs, oranges, peaches, apricots and apples. A mild sweetness entwined amongst all the aromas of vanilla cream, salted caramel and cocoa. The whisky arrives with a spicy sweetness of vanilla and white pepper. Orange, honey, cocoa sweetness comprise the core flavors on the palate. There are small currents of brown sugar, almonds, caramel, raisins. The finish is long with orange bitters, oak tannins, charcoal and cinnamon. Unabashedly a sherried scotch, if anyone who is familiar with Aberlour. The opening nose draws you into the depths hoping to discover more. The palate is the weakest segment of the whisky, being short and light with the flavors. Quite good overall and balanced well. This would make a good pairing with a mild cigar and time...and may have to try that sooner than later. [$120][90/100][Tasted: 7/18/18]