The nose is a bit deceiving on this whisky. Its aroma oozes of sweet honey and warm vanilla, with a hint a salted caramel. However, the second it hits the tongue a tingling peppery burn of alcohol is present. After the initial burn passes it mellows into a white pepper mixed with traces of honey, and finally hints of it's bourbon and sherry barrel aging shine through. The finish is quite long and it is where I notice most the saltiness you would expect from a highland scotch. My 3 star rating is simply based on my preference of a smokey whisky.