The expert review on the nose as "dark malt and vanilla" is on target. That transitions to orange peel and grapes steeped in alcohol - and eventually, to butterscotch or toffee. The palate is creamy with dark fruit taffy, then washed away by raisin juices that flow and capture notes of orange and cherries. A dash of malt appears in the mid-palate, before the finish. That ends with a pounding wave of Christmas cake, sherry spice, and ABV. If you pursue a tasting analysis, then you'll detect ginger root and white pepper notes. On the other hand, I cease to look for flavors when the heat starts lighting up my tongue after swallowing. It's then, at that point, my mind translates the texture of finish as if it were a hard-hitting carbonated soft drink - albeit an alcohol driven one. This is what I term as 'effervescence'. When it works, the spirit is suddenly refreshing (or warming, depending on the cask maturation and the season), rather than being a spin on the palate wheelhouse. And with that, I think this scotch makes for the perfect cold night sip. The Glendronach 12 is definitely a step up from the Macallan 12 Sherry Cask. And the best part is: it costs less. My Rating Glossary: Two Stars: "I'd rather be drinking lite beer." Two 1/2 Stars: "Posh rubbish." Three Stars: "I love whisk(e)y. This is average love." Three 1/2 Stars: "May buy again." Four Stars: "I've got to get you into my life." Four 1/2 Stars: "Better than drugs." Five Stars: "Life is good. Whisky makes it better."