Nose: Complex malty cereal aromas conjoined spectacularly with old oak and a little dark honey and leather. Dark stewed fruits of an unexpected variety - flambée pineapple, prunes, dates and banana, sprinkled with tumeric. Rich, austerely sweet, subtle and relaxing. A very good nose. [The dry-glass aroma is simple brown sugar with an oaky hint]. Palate: Sweet and luscious oily arrival against a backdrop of oak. The development brings out complex flavours that are balanced with meticulous precision. The initial sweetness settles down to a dignified semi-sweet character with vanilla, blood orange, dark chocolate, sultanas, barley sugar, ginger, hot cinnamon, allspice, black cherry and dry sherry. The texture is full and poised but never loses a certain crisp freshness. There is a warm dusky heat in the late palate as it leads into the finish that is close to sublime. Finish: Long. Oily and fruity, with a lingering sweetness and an elusive hint of mint or anise in the aftertaste Bold but refined and with impeccable balance. This is wonderful whiskey and great value for the price - I don't know what more I can say. It is best taken neat if you wish to experience the full force of its personality, but if preferred it can take a dash of water to open and soften the experience. The nose is slightly diminished in the process, but the palate is thrown wide open. I'd recommend having two drams, one neat and one watered, so you can have the best of both worlds. "Very Good" : 86/100 (4 stars)