On the nose musty peat, citrus, menthol, dark chocolate, anise, greasy bacon, smoked vegetables. The palate brings more sweetness than the nose lets on. Vanilla citrus, then the bacon vegetable peat smoke. The nose is really interesting as it leans much more savory and herbal. The palate seems less complex in comparison, but the sweetness that shows up is a nice surprise. A few drops of water help to bring out more of the notes from the nose. I love Lagavulin and this one does not disappoint. I bought this on sale from one of the European sites, including shipping at around $120, and at that price I'm more than pleased. I recently tried the Lag Distiller's Edition and gave it a 4.5, but i like this even better - although owing I'm sure to my predilection for higher proof whisky. Going with the same score though, because I don't believe it rises quite to a 4.75.