Malt and caramel on the nose. This is a seriously malty, biscuity whiskey. It tastes like shortbread and caramel. It's got a dry, salty bite, with a drying, astringent ethanol character. I also get some rubbing alcohol. Dry and coastal, with none of the characteristic Islay smoke. This is a really delicious whiskey - it's not the crazy smokey Islay whiskey that I love, but this is a great whiskey nonetheless.