I bought this one based on the high rating here ( lesson learned----follow recommendations from tried sources, not new ones). The nose is almost like acetone. A smell that jolts memories of my sophomore chem class isn't good. The taste is even worse. No depth or character, with a bitter behind-the-throat scratchy finish. I've not had many blends before--maybe I'm spoiled by the only ones I've had ( Hibiki 12 and 17, and the Compass Box ones). But--spend a few bucks more and get the Compass Box Great King St blend... For a few bucks more, the quality is by far superior.