Buchanan's Select Blended Malt 15 Year

Aroma: Fudge, smoke, and cereal honey. Simple yet pleasing. A few deep inhales brought to mind raisins. My partner described it as 'sweet cedar forest,' and while I don't personally detect that, I can see the connection; rich wood doesn't seem like an unreasonable description. Palate: The smoke is not overpowering but remarkably impacts both the front and back of the mouth. I can see how one might describe it as 'chocolate and oranges,' but my experience was more chocolate with very little marmalade-like character. Citrus zest is a fair assessment, though I didn't perceive much beyond that. This certainly drinks like a spirit that could command a higher price. The peat is present without overwhelming the rich and full mouthfeel, which is a pleasant surprise, especially considering the cost and alcohol content. I purchased this because I needed a sipper under $50 that wasn't Dewars or Johnny Walker. I'm quite satisfied with the choice. The professional assessment is quite accurate: it makes you wonder how much of a massively rich, slow-sipping, deep spirit this must have been at a higher proof. The proof was unexpected; at only 80 proof, it still possesses a decent, robust character. You could certainly drink this quickly without much thought, but it also stands as a respectable sipper. It might be a good option to introduce someone to a spirit that isn't heavily peated but still exhibits some smokiness. Personally, I prefer less oily notes with my waxy, meaty, 'chewy' spirits, but it's a SMOOTH dram. The oiliness and heat are barely noticeable; they merely highlight the exceptionally rich and lush cereal and fruit foundation. Adding water made it sweeter. Neither good nor bad, just sweeter. I didn't try it with ice, but it seems well-suited for a generous pour with 43/drambuie and two ice cubes. On a scale of 1-100, I'd rate it an 84. For reference, I'd give Johnny Walker Green Label an 87 or 88. Cost $42 with tax at Total Wine.

Light smoke, citrus, pears, chocolate, and malt on the nose. Smooth and creamy on the palate with sweet pears and a subtle hint of smoke. The chocolate, pears, and faint smoke carry through the medium finish.

The aroma presents notes of citrus, vanilla, and orchard fruits such as apples and pears, with a hint of smoke.

Biscuity and I'm actually detecting a little peat in this.

Smooth and captivating