This is not my first dram of Connemara, but it's been awhile since I've had any...and this is better than I remember. The nose, while not particularly smoky, has the a certain commonality with an Islay dram (my mind goes to Laphroaig) - sweet vanilla, brine, olive, a certain vegetal quality. The palate doesn't put much smoke on display, but that briny, seabreezy, iodine-y, band-aidy peat quality is front and center, with a bright, sweet vanilla at the core. The finish is lightly drying, with (finally) a hint of smoke. I sure hope this is the rule, not the exception, for the entry level Connemara, because if it is, they've stepped up their game in some exciting ways.