First taste: neat. Too strong for me!! Went straight to diluting, about 2 parts scotch, 1 part chilled water. Now, too dilute. Second taste: 1 cube ice. I let it fully melt. Really opens up the drink. Nose is light, floral. Palate is briny, salt water, campfire, peat, band-aids. Not overpowering with the ice, and also not too watered down. Very unique, very good. If you like Laphroaig, give this a try.