4.4 average rating albeit from 12 reviews screams amazing. It's a lovely dram. With liberal dosing of water and time...marmalade, white pepper, sweet vanilla heavy salty peat bursts forward. Lighter and more refined than the 10, like it's older than it is. I'd say I'm in love....does it get to the top echelons of whiskies... Initially a 4 I thought..then definitely a 4.25 then definately a 4.5..this just gets better and better with time. Is it on par with the 10..yes..different but on par I thought. I cracked open the 10 to compare....definately the 8 yr wins on the nose. Palate it's a hard one..the 10 is richer but slightly harsher although it hasn't had the advantage of time open...the 8 year so full of flavour and refinement. The 10 is a fraction of the price so even if the 8 takes it in pure taste then once vfm is factored in then it's a draw. The 8 yr is what I wish the 18 had been (I definitely got a dud bottle). Again a great example of older isn't better as it smokes the (dud) 18 and 25 yr bottles and drams I had. 4.5 it is...maybe 4.75....if I could get hold of a bottle I'd buy it (a rarity these days). Make sure you give this one water and time sitting in the glass to get the most out if it.