Smokey, peaty, coastal, salty, but not medicinal like Laphroaig, not earthy and vegetal as Ardbeg. Strong black pepper. It's more of a smokey , but otherwise light whiskey - smokey and light seems like a contradiction, but that is the most apt description, I think because it is more smokey than peaty, and the lack of overwhelming peat let's the core flavors shine through. It's sweet, salty, some mild, dry, herbal flavors(something like oregano?)- it's like smokey sea water, mixed with just a drop of honey or butterscotch. It has a nice balance. The Distiller reviewer mentioned that it's like Islay, but with the sun, and a sunny day on Islay is just about a perfect description. Laphroaig and Ardbeg are more like a raging storm on Islay, but this is a sunny day on Islay. I really like this. Might have to buy another bottle once I finish this one.