Nose: Peat, on the one hand accompanied by a certain citrussy freshness, and on the other hand peppery, slightly sooty notes. Also some fresh hay. And brine. As I continnue to nose it, more medicinal notes emerges, reminicent of a bandaid soaked with rectified/denatured alcohol. Overall, the nose is distinct, but not ”in your face”, and there is a certain lightness to it. Palate: Black pepper, sooty peat, slightly salty licorice. Again some wet bandaids. Not as oily texture as some other classic Islays, and lighter, though still intense. A touch of leather. Some bitterness as well. Finish: The peaty soot and licorice lingers. Some slight bitterness. After a while, a hint of a milk-chocolate tone emerges. Plesant! Overall: On first sniff, this is a very typical Islay, and I could have guessed Ardbeg 10 or Laphroaig 10, (being fairly long ago I tried either). I would maybe hold this one as a bit lighter though, but with the same level of peat (many say it’s less peated, and maybe it is if you try them head-to-head, but it’s definitely a peat-heavy dram). I very much like peated Islay whiskys, and this one is no exception - though I do believe that there are better drams out there in the same price range that offer more compexity and depth. I score this one a solid 3.25 which in my book is a score of a good whisky, but quite far from great.