From Batch OL1117, bottled at 60.3% ABV bottled on 11/17. Tasted neat from a Glencairn and allowed to sit for about 10 minutes after the pour. This whisky pours a crystaline amber with notable sheeting and slow legs . It looks almost like a dark honey. Nothing about the appearance of this would indicate it is such a high proof product. On the nose there is immediate honey, molasses, fruitcake with maybe a hint of nutmeg. The aromas rising from the glass are wonderful. They are rich, sweet and subtle. This is a whisky that rewards patience and continued exploration. On the palate there is absolutely no indication of the proof. This is as clean, smooth and rich as any whisky I've had. The finish is where the proof shows itself, with a glow of heat building after the swallow and coming on in waves over a slow fade to a sweet, syrupy mouthfeel. The finish is really quite amazing - slow, long and luxurious. The taste is primarily sweet with impressions of fruit. The sherry is notable and well integrated. There isn't as much complexity on the tongue as the nose promised, with a slight hint of oak, some vague and ghostly smokiness, creamy honey and butterscotch all pointing to a rich sherry heritage. I like this scotch, but oddly I'm not satisfied with it. I'd love to see just a bit more complexity in the flavor profile, maybe a little separation of the notes in this whisky symphony. The influence of the sherry might be just a tad too much. Perfect for dessert or as an alternative to a rich XO cognac. My ratings are from 1 (I'll be drinking something else, please), 2 (acceptable as a mixer or based on price/performance ratio), 3 (an good average whisky, glad to have in on my bar), 4 (exceptional whisky and the lower boundary goal for my my curated collection) and, 5 (truly extraordinary in every way).