When I first tasted this, it had an overpowering artificial smoke flavor tacked on to an inoffensive blend. As it evolved, it began to taste like a more refined Johnnie Walker Red. Now, it has mellowed out to a noticeably smoky blend with little in the way of harshness, and a decent warming heat. The smoke and speyside flavors are not fully integrated, but it can be forgiven. Nice enough to drink as a sipper, and an absolute steal at the price point.