Blair Athol 2014 5 Year Provenance (Douglas Laing)

From an advent calendar, tasted blind. Nose: funky new make, apple cider, honey, toasted Cheerios, lemon zest, faint vanilla and chocolate, lavender, low proof (around 45%) from the Highlands perhaps. A hint of minerality like carbonated water, honeysuckle, orange blossoms, candy dots, black pepper, nutmeg, cinnamon, and toffee. Palate: light but not delicate, with caramel apples, Cheerios, herbal honey, chocolate, orange, and vanilla. Likely a single malt as no banana character is present. Minty, tannic, and bitter. Around 5 years old, not aged in ex-bourbon casks, but the specific cask type is unknown. It's bright and sits on the sides of the tongue in a way that isn't ideal. Medium-light body. Finish: bitter tannins on the sides of the tongue, green apple with lemon and cinnamon, a nearly salty character, oak, and vanilla. Medium length with good oiliness. Other notes: Correct about age, single malt, cask type (sherry butt), and region. A miss for me overall, despite being an interesting young sherry cask. I suspect the distillery released these because they weren't turning out well for them. Not completely flawed, but the new make character worsens as it is tasted. The finish is unappealing, though it might pair well with a cigar or pipe. Cheers!