Smelling this, it seems like some generic scotch. Drinking it though, wood hits first and just as the wood is starting to become tedious, the duck introduces some citrus fruit and floral notes mixed with some brine and smoke. The sweetness grows toward the finish, whish is simply perfect. This is like Glenmorangie Nectar D'Or mixed with Highland Park 18 that finishes with a flavor of mild gummy bears and rosewater. I'll need to try this again to be sure that it is actually this amazing, but my opinion as of now is that it edges out highland Park 18. On second taste, it is half way between Highland Park 18 and Oban 14, perhaps with a touch of caramel a la Don Julio 1942. The banana and mango are right there and so rich, but not gross in their sweetness and do not add any weird flavors. Apples come in too for a bit and they dance with pears. There is a salt and a tad of seawater too. One could catch this whiskey on the technicalities, but it's flavor is amazing and when I want to drink something, this is one of the first ones that I think of in most circumstances. Following an Islay, this is a sweet delight. No matter the circumstances though, this is deep and, frankly, a triumph. How is this so much like the Bushmill's 16, yet also clearly so much better? Whereas Highland Park 18 makes an impressive entrance and is strong throughout, Bushmill's 21 makes a somewhat weak entrance but stays around for a powerful finish. This tastes like a less woody but more punchily fruity and floral version of Tullibardine 25. It's good - great, actually - but it definitely tastes younger. I really wish that this were bottled at a higher ABV and not chill filtered. The alcohol is really too strong here. There's so much delicious flavor in here that it is a tragedy that the bad flavors counter-balance it. This has less complexity and balance than Redbreast 21, but its sweet nectar flavor is just so delightful. Then there are the bitter undertones though. Slightly better than Highland Park 18. This is the closest to perfection that I have come so far. A couple steps shy of perfection, but still a unique and delightful drink. The nose does not come across as particularly old, but the palate is rich and balanced. The flavors starts a bit bitter and bland, but then apricot and orange with some mild spices come out, blooming into a rich, sweet flavor that develops into s fruity, floral finish. The alcohol is only present in the beginning and while there are some minerals throughout, they are not overwhelmingly strong. The beautiful finish really makes this an exceptional whiskey; otherwise it's not terribly exciting. The richness is good and the balanced flavor in the finish is immaculate, but it needs more complexity and punch with reduced alcohol and minerality. A higher ABV release could also be helpful. The smoothness is terrific though. The flavor is initially sweet with some delicious orange flower, apricot, honey, orange peel, and caramel, but some aggressively bitter wood comes in. The bitter wood takes over and leaves an unpleasant finish. There is some smoke, but it is piercing and out of place. What a divine flavor at the front and a disappointment that it is not fulfilled. This is richer with substantially more apricot than Glenfiddich 14. It lets more bitter alcohol through than it should, but it also has some really delightful fruit flavors leaping out, demanding to show their talents. The net flavor could use some more complexity and less alcohol, but those beautiful notes are quite good. There's a lot of vanilla here and the flavor is quite full and rich while also being on the sweet side. It's quite nice to drink, but it just isn't one of those undeniable classics.