I've had the bottle for six months and finally opened it, so let's get down to business. This dram has a sweet and lightly peated nose. It doesn't have that iodine phenol character that heavy Islays give off. Some maple mood and green apples as an afterthought. The palate itself is actually rather simple and clean, with more of those green apples and pears. A minty burn as it goes down, but not so much character beyond that. The finish gives off wood spice, and hints of medicinal notes. To me I think this is a great introduction to Japanese whiskey and general scotch characteristics. I will consider this both a great entry level and intermediate whiskey.