Nose: Oloroso sherry, right from the start - unmistakable and prominent. Earthy (almost burnt) malt extract, dark dried fruits (dates, figs, raisins), roasted nuts and a little lemon oil. There is a briny minerality to the nose that emerges after a while resting in the glass. A dash of water relaxes the nose considerably and a host of honeyed aromas emerge. Palate: A mild bitter spiciness on the arrival, gaining sweeter notes over time. The development brings a sweet/brine combination and the same dark dried fruits and lemon peel that was in the nose. There's a black coffee/dark cacao note in the mid palate that lasts through into the finish, and a leathery taste. The mouthfeel is creamy and full. As with the nose, the addition of a little water relaxes, deepens and sweetens the profile considerably and reveals some excellent tropical fruit notes without damaging anything. Finish: Medium. A dry and mildly spicy end. The dark roasted malt and espresso base characters take on a more herbal form in the aftertaste. If watered this is sweeter and slightly honeyed. An enjoyable companion-piece to the 12 year old expression rather than a supposed replacement. I never quite believed that story, as the two whiskies are completely different in character, and I'm suspicious of comparison tastings that approach this as if it were a younger NAS version of the same juice. The 12 year old is largely bourbon matured, whereas this whisky is a solid young, dry, sherry beast. The 12 year old was also never withdrawn from sale or even reduced in supply so it's likely that this was introduced so the distillery could offer a 100% sherry matured expression at the bottom of the range. It was released at the same time as two other NAS expressions and it's a NAS itself simply because 12 years in the casks they are using would be overkill (I'd guess it is 7-9 years old) and there is prejudice against single-digit age statements. I'd strongly recommend watering this whisky just a little because it completely transforms it, and at the abv it can take some water in its stride. Neat I'd score it at 3, but with water it realizes its potential. "Good" : 83/100 (3.5 stars)