appearance: dark orange (apparently, the correct term is tawny or auburn). many slow moving legs nose: iodine, pepper, moss/seaweed, reminiscent of Talisker 10, caramel sweetness, rich, something fruity (dried apricot? citrus?), musty; with a drop of water, floral (lavender), and an exotic tea-like quality. for a second, I thought I smelled farts and dog food, but not long or strong enough to put me off! palate: sweetness, caramel/toffee, spice, brine, chewy, rich and dry at the same time; with a drop of water, some milk chocolate finish: some heat, long lasting, smoky ash and fishiness this is a complex and savory dram. almost like a love child between laphroaig and talisker, but more enjoyable to me than either. while I hate using 'smooth', that's what this is (which is to say, it won't punch you in the face). it would not make a bad first islay peat monster, and is more affordable than caol ila 12, which is often compared and has similar profile