This is a better than average whiskey for the price. On the nose, the peat and smoke shines through with faint notes of oak. On the palate, peat and caramel meet the tongue first, then smoke and vanilla linger. Not super refined and still rough around the edges. A splash or two of water opens it right up. If you love peat and don't want to break the bank, can't go wrong with this 12yo, but for slightly more I'd go with a Laphroaig.