Rating: 13/23 I know nothing about this aside from the name. I'm expecting heavy smoke and/or peat. N: So, not the heavy smoke/peat that I expected. I think I get some of that smoke, but it may just be my expectations mixed with the alcohol burn and some wood and caramel. It smells more fruity (rich apple) and generic. There's something a bit roasted and perhaps a hint of mineral, but it's really hard to pick out individual scents. Mostly, it's kind of rich, fruity, and sweet. It smells tasty, but not amazing. P: OK, I like this better than the nose. I get some fruit mixed with smoke and roasted barley, as well as a sort of waxiness and a clean water mineral sweetness. It's not quite as full and viscous as I'd like, but it's fairly rich and tasty in a way that I really don't expect from what I'm guessing is a fairly low end (but not bottom shelf) scotch. There's no excessive sulfur a la every dirt cheap scotch ever. It's rich and moderately full with good balance. It isn't very complex, but it is enjoyable. It's actually quite smooth as well. I get a bit of a sherried red fruit flavor as well in here that reminds me of Highland Park and there's some caramel that is only a tad artificial tasting. I'm surprised to be saying this, but I could drink this neat and be happy. I feel like there is some deeper complexity in here, but it's quite subtle and difficult to bring out. Or maybe it just isn't there. I'm trying hard to find it. I'm getting some cinnamon and vanilla suggesting ex-bourbon barrels now. Sure, bourbon barrels are used a lot because they're cheap, but they really work well here. I mainly just wish that the palate took me on more of a journey instead of just throwing its flavors out there and leaving me to sort them out. F: A wisp of smoke remains along with some waxiness and roasted grain. The sweet fruit and other sweetness are gone, but there's a hint of lemon zest and it's a clean finish that lasts for a long time. Not as good as the palate, but a nice ending. This was honestly quite good. It was a lot better than I expected and was also quite different. This is a very solid blended scotch. It's less interesting than Bell's, but it's more balanced and less harsh. Bell's is about the level that I think this is on, with the richness here balancing out with the complexity there. The lack of harshness really gives this an edge though. This is definitely smoother with less alcohol presence, but it's also more bland and does have a hint of artificial caramel. It's a tough call, but I'd say that this is a hair better than Bell's. I'm thinking a 13 for this one. I could imagine a 14, but I think dropping to 12 is more likely because of the lack of complexity and that artificial caramel flavor. Sadly, I can say with confidence that this is no Johnnie Walker Green with its reduced complexity and fruitiness, but it actually tastes fairly aged. I would guess 12 years, but I could believe that it was younger with well-toasted grain or even imagine that it's a 15 with some use of refill barrels. This is somehow not that far off from Johnnie Walker Green. The other obvious comparison is Nikka Whisky From The Barrel. The Nikka clearly has more alcohol, but is also sweeter and richer with more of a clear graininess and some hints of apricot. I think that the Nikka is a bit more complex, but this actually compares fairly well. The Nikka is definitely better, but I still appreciate this and it's a lot cheaper. I think that 12 is easily deserved now and I'm pretty settled on a 13. Surprisingly, I think I have to give it a 13 and a 14 even seems like it would be kind of reasonable. This is only a $22 scotch? What a find!