Nose: Very dry apple cider, so bright it's almost like cider vinegar. Some light cereal notes and a little oak in the background. A drop of water mellows the nose considerably and deepens the overall tone. Palate: Very bright, almost effervescent arrival with the same apple cider character as the nose but here on the palate it is sweet and you can just barely taste some cereal notes. The texture is watery and there is no development at all, the initial flavours pass directly into the finish. However a drop of water broadens the palate and gives it a little more texture. Finish: Like lightning, there's a quick spicy flash and then it fades out to empty blackness with only a watery cereal aftertaste. A most curious blend - exceptionally easy and mild, almost dangerously easy to drink, but also thin and pallid. The overwhelming character is reminiscent of a dilute version of that type of hard apple cider that has a spirity vinegar-like aroma which is not unpleasant, but miles away from soft fresh apple juice. This is also very possibly the fastest profile I've ever tasted. Seriously, 30 seconds after you swallow there is hardly a hint it was ever on your palate. However on the plus side there are no off-notes at all , no metallic or sulphur stain, and no bitterness. Water greatly improves this blend and I'd guess the good folks at the Craigellachie Hotel commissioned this specifically to have a profile that works particularly well as a soft, easy drinking session whisky with ice and soda water. There's not much substance to it and I'd never buy it again, but on the other hand it's in no way offensive. The quality is just as good, but the profile is insipid. "Average" : 75/100 (2.5 stars)