First smell is harsh. Almost like a cheap bourbon. A drop or two of water changes it completely. Brings a sweet fruity smell out. Harshness is gone completely. The taste has this rich sweetness to it. Almost like a caramel or dark chocolate. Not really sugar sweet. Also some citrus/fruity taste and a little spice in there as well It’s a blend of speyside single malts so it’s not going to have the Smokey peat flavor of the Isley scotches. This is a lighter dram. It’s not going to make you say “wow,” but it’s an easy drink and worth the $32.