Nose: Malt, vanilla, oatmeal cookies, wholemeal toast, a very light touch of oak. As it rests in the glass the vanilla note becomes more prominent. Adding water opens the nose considerably. [The dry glass aroma is like toast soaked in ethanol]. Palate: A firm, almost sharp, malty entry with some ginger spice emerging in the development. There's a hint of charcoal, but it's not a "proper" smoky note. A slightly beery flavour. It's a pretty simple and shallow palate overall. A dash of water softens the otherwise almost intrusive spicy note and reveals a little cereal sweetness. The texture is slightly oily and agreeable. Finish: Medium. Cereal and malt, with a salty/sweet and sour aftertaste that lingers. Hellyers Road distillate is reminiscent of Irish pot-still with a focus on the cereal characteristics. It's a crisp and lightly fragrant whisky made to a high standard but it lacks complexity, particularly in the palate. It is greatly improved by the addition of water. Neat it seems very tight and closed-in, but a dash of water makes it blossom and become much more approachable. An OK single malt - not great, but OK - but a bit overpriced. The official rating here is absurdly over-generous. "Average" : 78/100 (2.5 stars)