A combination of aromas in the nose; vanilla, oak, florals, slightly grassy, a bit nutty, hints of sherry, slight whiffs of smoke. On the palate, this whisky offers a host of flavors, very similar to the nose, all in harmonious combination with nothing really overpowering. This whisky is an exercise in balance, at least on my palate. The finish could stand to be a little longer, but it's moderately long as is. The Orkney smoke/peating is very different, and to my palate considerably milder than the Islay whiskies. Whether that makes Highland Park better, worse, or equal is up to you.