My first travel into Islay was not a great one but I decided to take another stab at it and ordered this dram at a steakhouse before my meal. The nose was exactly what I was expecting.. Peat smoke.. Medicinal as all get out.. and band-aid. But I wasn't turned off nor did I turn away. In fact much like a car wreck I couldn't turn away! The palate exploded with smoke.. Then fresh black pepper with a bit of leather.. And then of all things cinnamon!! The finish was long .. dominated by an earthy smoke with some sweetness. I have purchased 2 bottles of this since that first dram and believe I have found an ever present companion for some time to come. Changed my tune completely on Islay malts as a result of this scotch.