Slightly sweet but not at all overly sweet or fruity. Like a very complex Bordeaux the taste hits beginning middle and end; with the end notes being long fiery & smokey. The middle is a well balanced blend of fruit, salt air, peat & old leather. Of the 4 Arbegs currently in my stash this is far and away my favorite. Strict highland fans won't like it but is you are a fan of the Islays then this is a "must try".