Nose: Initially the nose is spritzy and very like apple cider with lots of orchard notes (pears and red apple skins). Over time, as it rests in the glass, grassy and cereal notes emerge together with some vanilla, a little oak and soft honey. Overall it brings to mind the smell of freshly baked apple pies, with grain being harvested in the distance. [The dry-glass aroma is cereal/fruity and very slightly smoky] Palate: Sweet, creamy arrival with a mild dusty malt note. Lots of sweet apples in the development (again, rather like apple cider) and a touch of very soft ginger spice. There are further orchard fruit and nutty flavours as it progresses and the texture is slightly creamy with the faintest taste of smoke. Finish: Medium/short. Fruity/sweet and fading into an aftertaste of weak black tea and golden syrup. A straightforward, unassuming malt that makes up for a lack of complexity by virtue of its disarming approachability. When it used to be available, the Royal Lochnagar Distiller's Edition was my whisky of choice for introducing novices to scotch single malt or as the first malt in a tasting flight. This is not as good as that expression, but it is still arguably better as a starter than the usual choices of Glenfiddich 12 or Glenmorangie Original. At the price it is reasonable value as an everyday dram. Along with Strathisla 12 it is also one of my favourite nightcap drams when I'm in the mood for something particularly sweet, easy and relaxing. "Above Average" : 80/100 (3 stars)