"The complex bouquet contains rich malt and fruity aromas with just a hint of peatiness. The palate is rewarded with a unique combination of attractive flavours – a balance of apples, pears and malt, with a gentle hint of nuttiness enhanced by the subtle use of sherry wood. The result is a wonderfully rich and elegant taste producing a long and satisfying finish."

This soft, bright, easy-going whisky is back in the U.S. market after being absent for several years. Very fragrant, with vibrant fruit (nectarine, plum, guava, pineapple, clementine), honeyed vanilla, and subtle macadamia. Fairly light (a pre-dinner or leisurely afternoon malt, perhaps?) but evenly balanced. A gentle introduction to single malts for the blended scotch drinker.

"The initial aroma is sweetish, winey and oaky; aeration allows the aroma to expand to include marzipan, treacle, molasses, honey, vanilla bean, cinnamon and cocoa butter. The palate entry is sweet, creamy and assertive; at midpalate the flavor becomes intensely nutty, buttery and bacon fat-like, with the beginnings of rancio. Remains one of Speyside’s standard-bearer 12 year olds." 90-95 pts.