Served neat in a Glencairn glass from a new, full bottle. September 2017 batch 17/A211 Dark chocolate truffles and subdued German pastries underly the smoked apple-wood on the nose. Mouth-feel is a little lighter than I normally prefer, but oh-so-silky. The smoke is noticable right off the bat, but it unfolds like a Russian ballet. The smoke and sweet dark chocolate make a comeback, with the chocolate taking on a dark-roast latte characteristic and undertones of BBQ ribs. Honey, tobacco and very subtle iodine all make appearances. After a few seconds, there is tart apple and tangy blood-orange. All the while the smoke is still going. The finish is akin to a campfire several hours after being out out, with a sweet citrus/milk-chocolate truffle note that gently peters out in a dry, yet salivating, elegant fashion. This dram is complex, yet immenently approachable. It is bold, yet sensual. Compared to the Talisker 18 I just opened, it lacks that last bit of refinement. Unfortunately, The Naked Grouse replicates 90% of the profile with only the faintest rough edge, and does so for 1/5 of the price.