Whoa now this is great stuff. Its definitely heavy on the peat and smoke side but its well balanced by all the undertones imparted by the sherry casks. It adds an entire new layer to this Islay that isn't present in other standard bottlings. Besides the standard peat, smoke, and ash Ardbeg is known for, we have a whole host of fruitiness pointed by raisins, lemon, citrus and vegetal hints. This is amazing, through and through. Don't let anyone tell you the quality is decreasing, this is worth its asking price and then some.