46% abv Non chill-filtered Natural color Nose: deep dark and bright fruits with baking spices in the background. Think raisin, prune and figs along with blue berry, cherry, apple and apricot. Also a hint of vanilla and whipped cream. Taste: rich, viscous, creamy and fruity. A true sherry bomb. Dates, figs plums and chocolate-covered raisins greet you and carry the bulk of the load. Spices and juicy black cherry follow, along with a nuttiness that comes in on the development but is never center stage. Finish: medium. Medley of dark fruits give way to notes of vanilla, brown sugar, cinnamon spice and at the very end, dark chocolate caramel and a bite of pepper/alcohol. Value: $145-185 USD. A steep price (especially above $150) for an 18 year old. Buy only if you have the extra cash or hunt for a cheaper bottle (they exist!). Final thoughts: a complex powerhouse sherry scotch worthy of any shelf, the 18 Allardice is a true gem worthy of the accolades it receives. This single malt delivers on all fronts, but at its price point it puts itself on the very high end of 18 year old whiskies. With many great options coming in $30-50 dollars less, you may find yourself second guessing a purchase of the Allardice. An understandable predicament, but you will be missing out. Score: 4/5 (highly recommend buying a bottle. Malt musing: “I should never have switched from scotch to martinis.” - Humphrey Bogart Link to video review: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dm9bult2yjE&t