A gem. Nose is elegantly subdued and mellow, but there is caramel, some oak and touch of smoke. Pallete is where she sings. There is honey, a brine and salt flavor, dark chocolate at times altering with vanilla, some charred oak, a wonderfully balanced peat that complements rather than envelopes in novelty, and an unctuous mouthfeel that is sublime. The finish is very mellow and long, inviting it to be reset. This is one of the most balanced, nuanced examples of scotch that represents an incredible value in my opinion. It's achilies heel is its presentation and its only con. If this was bottled completely void of filtration, color and at a higher ABV instead of its 40%, (no water needed, add at your own risk) it would be close to prefect. As it stands, it is still within a stones throw and an absolute must buy, regardless of your region leanings or prejudices. Hell yes. This is why I love Scotch.