Colour: Gold.

Nose: Very round and very rich, starting with more honey than both the 17yo that we had before and the latest 25. This richness and roundness almost block the citrusy and coastal notes that are well there in the background but that seem to be a little shy for now. From honey, evolves towards leather and cigarette tobacco for a while (a freshly opened pack of Camels or maybe Chesterfields), then meatier touches (bouillon) probably from the sherry casks, then rather camphor and eucalyptus And its only after that that we get more peat smoke, sea air and tropical fruits (only hints of ripe mangos here).

Mouth: Very good attack but indeed, I can see why many friends thought that the old 21 was better. This is a little weaker (of course its not weak whisky at all) and maybe a little drier, with more oak and more dry spices such as nutmeg, cinnamon and white pepper. Notes of bitter chocolate, and then the classic tropical fruits but maybe a little more as jams than as fresh fruits. Great palate, though, maybe just a little less directly exciting than the 21s.

Finish: Medium long, a tad drier now. Strong salted tea.