I go back and forth on this whisky. I can pick up the taste described at "meaty". I sometimes find this note pleasing, other times off-putting. If you're looking for something interesting that won't break the bank I'd recommend it. In my area it's cheaper than a lot of entry level malts, and it defiantly isn't a boring whisky. However, if you are new to drinking Scottish whisky, I'd recommend sticking to the classics. Leave this to a more trained palate.