I'll start this off by stating I typically drink bourbon and am not much of an Islay drinker. I enjoy Irish whiskey and Speyside whisky, but rarely seek out Islays. However, a friend was generous enough to share a dram of this with me, so here is what I found: Nose: sweet, so sweet, like whipped sugar, marshmallows? honey, apples, toffee, some light milk chocolate, while classic Islay brine underlays it all. I'm used to the high proof stuff that lights your nose hairs on fire. I can smell this all day with no burn. The nose is incredible. Palate: At first you hardly notice the peat, but it definitely starts to build the longer you swish around in your mouth, with the sides of your tongue beginning to burn. On the initial sip it's honey, before turning to the regular Islay tastes. Sitting here trying to dissect it, I'm reminded of a raspberry that's been dropped in champagne. There's a light fruit sweetness, with a little uplifting that reminds me of champagne. Maybe some pear? I'm not used to Islay so getting beyond the peat is not easy for me. Apples with honey. Finish: Not much flavor other than some lingering peat, tobacco, and spice. What is that spice? black pepper? No... is this what white pepper tastes like? There's some spice I'm unable to identify. Overall, this is a nice scotch. Is it an entry to Islay? Not at this price point. Is it for the typical Islay drinker? maybe. Not sure who this dram is for, especially given the price, but tasty nonetheless. 75/100 - Sure I'll take some