It's complicated! Compared to other Highlands, it's too smokey. Compared to other Highland Parks, it's right on par! Compared to the smoke of an Islay, it's lacking. Over all, it's pretty well-balanced. In comparison to the HP 12 year, its apples and oranges, but I'd take the 12 any day over this one!...but then again, I wouldn't turn this down if someone poured it for me! See?!?! It's complicated!!!