Nose: the same spice and dry summer hay you know from the classic 10y, some minerals (beach sand), walnuts, tomato and some fresh cuts stone fruit with vanilla. To be honest - not much different than the 10y really. Palate: oh ok well the palate and finish are much more intense than the 10y. Wow, really an improvement in the Springbank palette. Super sweet and malty, ginger, lots of mixed dry spices (garam masala, cumin, megnut, juniper, all spice and stuff like that). What a rollercoaster of tastes. I really like it. It’s a nicely put together whisky and interesting in contrast with the younger expression. But to be very honest the 10y isn’t worse really and I must say I like them equally. The 18 is more mellow and not as aggressive. It is different - yes - but both are equally good for what they are. I’m not sure if it is necessary to try the popular 15y as well but I will see what other Springbanks there are - the character is really unique and likeable.