What a pleasant purchase! After a post op Dr.'s appointment (eye surgery) I decided I deserved a treat. Stopped in one of those big chain liquor stores to have a look. (You know the type, offer good prices on the entry level 750 ml items, full SRP--or more--on everything else.) I spotted a single bottle of this nectar on the shelf for $40. I have never had this whisky in all of my 69 years; but, I knew it had a good reputation and I knew that was a great price. (Some on-line retailers ask as much as $80-100, or even more.) I plunged and am so glad I did. It pours a golden amber in the glass. Moderate legs. The nose is of stewed fruit, almonds and walnuts, orange zest, vanilla, and a touch of Christmas spice, perhaps nutmeg. On entry it first seems a little thin, but an oiliness is immediately present. The taste is much like the nose, but the "stewed fruit" nose now comes across easily as the sherry influence of Spanish casks. This is not a sherry "bomb," but has the strong influence as you would find in Aberlour 12 or Macallan 12 Double Cask. In fact this has most of the same flavor notes as the Macallan. Testing that observation I am presently sipping them side by side. Yes, I can hardly tell the difference. The Macallan finish seems to be a little longer. Getting this for $40 was a great deal. Would not be willing to pay the obscene prices some are asking when there are other options.