VANILLA!!! The nose is overwhelming with alcohol and vanilla with just a tad bit of smoke. A bit of citrus rounds it out. The taste is assertive and spicy with front heat. Surprisingly dry. I know the profile indicates sweet, but I just don't get it. It reminds me of a painfully dry wine.(not necessarily a bad thing) Vanilla and spice. A splash of chilled water opens up the floral side a bit. The finish is medium to long with back heat. It has the bite of a 100 proof whisky but is only 86? The spice profile reminds me of a high rye bourbon or rye whiskey. The spice drowns out any complexity. Its certainly not the smoothest blended out there.(again, not necessarily a bad thing). If you're looking for a smooth easy drinking blended with a sweet slightly smoky profile... this is not the Scotch for you. I am not disappointed at the July sale price in NC at $33, but I won't be buying it at full price. A solid 3 stars but not much more. Better pours can be found for $30. I will just drink Cutty Sark & soda for $18/bottle