Taster

Nose: Light peat. Heather-honey. Orange blossom.

Palate: Delicate. Camomile. Apples, pears. A hint of oatmeal. Grainy.

Finish: Burnt grass. Dry.

Comment: I have always felt this blend to lack dimension but, as it warmed in the glass, more flavours emerged, especially heathery-peaty elements. Also a more honeyed, malty fullness.

Score: 7.5

Taster

Nose: I've always admired this biscuity, cake batter, honeyed, grainy bouquet.

Palate: Another blend with the word Speyside branded into it, especially in the feline dry, and smooth-as-glass palate entry. Toasted cereal, sweet malt, light caramel, vanilla extract, and almonds abound. Medium-bodied.

Finish: It excels in the aftertaste where the silky toasted cereal taste turns a bit fiery (love that), resin-like, and oily in the throat.

Comment: This blend has stayed at a very high level for the decade I've been sampling it. This time around I noticed the Balvenie presence more than in the past. Very nice job here.

Score: 8