NOSE: Caramel, vanilla, ocean spray, lemon and apple, hints of charcoal. Some dry and wet leaves. Bit of leather and wood varnish tells of age. PALATE: Spicy right away. Water tones that down. Some sweet toffee, until spiciness intensifies. The grain whisky brings a velvety texture like soft butter. Long finish is sweet and spicy like barbecue. Lingers with butterscotch for several minutes. OVERALL: It’s good, but perhaps not as interesting (complex) as 18 or 15. Would assume the grain is very aged, but single malts are younger in the blend.