Not what I expect from a company that self-affiliates with "traditional" i.e. smoky& peaty Islay malts. The nose is rather lackluster, with just a hint of vanilla and fresh-turned dirt to indicate what you might find inside. [Disclosure: This bottle has been open and about 1/3 full for about 2 months. I vaguely recall the nose being somewhat stronger when first opened]. This hits the palate much softer than the other Islay peat champions, and the hay notes that I find so objectionable in the Bruichladdich 10yr seem to fit in perfectly with the rest of the supporting cast. And it's a pretty sizable, and decent, supporting cast. Immediately following the fresh-cut hay is a bit of vanilla and brown sugar, but the arrival of the peat tamps down any sweetness you might find. The middle is very reminiscent of a hot salted pretzel, with a bit of a fresh bread-dough flavor that I usually associate with wheated bourbons making an appearance before it's quickly overcome with salt. The salt goes from normal pretzel salt to an ocean brine so typical of Islay malts and then a bit of meatiness rounds things out before smoke and peat close things out. The finish is medium, just over a minute, with lingering smoke interwoven with vanilla until a slight dryness finishes things up. A very good dram, for a very good price. If this had a better nose, it'd easily be 5-stars. Not only would this be ideal for those who like complex bourbons or un-peated malts (apparently these people exist somewhere), it's good enough (and cheap enough) that Scotch lovers of all persuasion can drink it without shame or remorse. Well done Bowmore!