Aultmore 1997 Connoisseurs Choice

I recently purchased 2 bottles of Gordon & Macphail Connoisseurs Choice Aultmore 97 vintage single malt whisky. I opened my first bottle last night, and must say, this stuff is smooth! Definitely a summer sipper. It is a nice change from the heavy hitting cask strength whiskies that i've been drinking lately. The nose is reminiscent of other light young Speysiders. Very sweet to smell, almost cotton candyish, with honey and caramel apple. On the palate, the entry and mid palate is pleasantly sumptuous and sweet, with the taste of honey, baked apple/plum tart, and a very soft tinge of smoke and spice. As mentioned, this single malt is not overly sweet, but is sweet enough! Overall, I find this to be a fairly well balanced malt, with the exception, and points deducted for the short finish. I usually trump for a whiskey that lingers on and on, but hey! You can't go wrong with a 14 year old whisky that presents itself this classy and at this price point. I managed to get this beauty for $59 CAD at my local LCBO. Most Aultmore is placed into Dewar's blends, so drinking this as a single malt is something of a rare beast (as it mentions on the box). Definitely worth seeking out and adding to your collection!