NOSE: Smoke is there, but it's not the first thing I notice, that would be the salty, seaweed / iodine notes. There is a good amount of honeycake in there, and some grapefruit. PALATE: Not very oily or rich, but plenty of that peaty smoke on the nose comes through here, and more of the honey and some citrus. FINISH: I don't think I'm exaggerating to say this is the longest finish I have yet experienced. I know for sure I have never cited the finish as my favorite aspect of a whisky, but there it is. This thing just goes and goes with smoke, and some caramelized onion, and salt, and the iodine from the nose. It's come full circle and it's great. THOUGHTS: Oh no. For years I have been saying I don't like Scotch, that I'm more of a bourbon or rye guy. This may have revealed that I do in fact like Scotch. I like good Scotch. This is quite good Scotch. The peat is wonderful, and balances out the malty flavors that are not my favorite in less smoky whiskies. And of course that finish is great. The only negative is that I wish it felt a little heavier or meatier or oilier in the mouth. It's a small quibble though, and this is a dangerous gateway Scotch to a much broader (and more expensive) world.