Nose: Bright but subtle peat with a maritime quality - like peat-reek carried on a sea breeze. It's not highly phenolic or medicinal (although there is a little kelpy iodine) but neither is it the woody bonfire smoke of highland peat - it's somewhere in between the two with a light tarry quality and some minerality. There is a mild citrus sweetness in the background but the overall impression is dry, poised and restrained. Over time as it rests in the glass the sweet notes expand to present a mild honey aroma. Palate: A very sweet and lightly smoky arrival with a touch of saline and mild lemon. The smoky character amplifies as it develops and continues to build until it reaches a plateau and then begins to broaden. As it expands some mild vanilla and very soft white pepper is noticeable. It does not gain significant complexity, however, and over time the palate simply dissipates (but in a very pleasant manner). The texture is a little watery but far from anaemic. Finish: Medium. Simply a continuation of the palate as the smoky qualities slowly fade from view. There are no intrusive plastic or metallic notes on the very crisp and lightly sweet/salt finish. This is a simple but well-balanced whisky that it is very agreeable, with a fresh quality to both the nose and palate. It is extremely easy to drink and would be a great session whisky. It would also be an excellent first smoky whisky to pour for a novice as it shows many of the Islay facets but is highly approachable and "friendly". Adding water is neither necessary nor recommended. There is no heat from the 46.3% abv and water merely seems to flatten the nose and dull the palate. It also unbalances the profile by introducing a starchy-cardboard note. Take this one neat. You'd have to be awfully mean to dislike this merely because of its simple profile. It's a good whisky, but not a world-beater, and in my opinion a little over-priced. I tasted it from a 30ml sampler and although I enjoyed it I'm not enthusiastic enough to seek out a bottle. The official score here of 90 seems a tad generous. "Good" : 84/100 (3.75 stars)