I saw this reviewed recently on the front page, and the consensus seemed to be that this was "too potent" for most. I don't believe I'm out of line when I say I am ready for this Scotch to secure the blindfold and work it's reach on me. So, knowing that the age is really the only differing factor here versus other Ardbeg products, I figured I wouldn't get much difference on the scent, but really only the taste. However, although the nose does differ with notes of saltwater, honey, and mineral, it's shockingly more "sticky" than other Ardbeg offerings. What I mean is, even though I can smell my glass a mile away (which is usual), the scent drifts up my nose and lodges itself into my brain, really securing the peat and changing the way it's ever been perceived. Going in, the ethanol hits the nose, which delivers more peat backbone before it ever touches the lips. Upon first taste, the saltiness is what's first detected, although it's not stronger than usual, just easier to find. The honey and cereal from usual Ardbeg tastes are still there, but they get drowned out almost immediately by an unrefined ethanol finish. As I once predicted, it's not that the peat or smoke is any stronger in this version, but that it's simply not mellowed out in the barrel, which seems obvious. It's a nice flavor is have in the bar, especially when comparing it to other Ardbegs or Scotch. Not sure if it could really work in any cocktails, but that's probably not what the Ardbeg fellas ever had in mind. In the end, I certainly feel way more taken by the smoke with this entry, but it's mostly found in the nose and temples than through the palate.