It has a super smoked smell - like that woody smoke for smoking meat (hickory, mesquite, cherry). This is a totally weird drink based on smell. It's meaty and sweet and smokey and herbal (some licorice is in there). It's fascinating. The flavor is a bit subdued, as is standard for American Single Malts. It's very rich with a lot of that woody smoke. If you're looking for something meaty, this is a good choice. There is some definite spiciness going on here, making this a bit harsh. It would be great if there were a bit less of that. There's a little apple going on here and there are also some chipotles. There's herbal notes given the smoke more robustness It's very interesting and rich, but it's a bit too in your face, sort of like Laphroaig 10, but sweeter with more of a smokey wood flavor that includes some black peoper and rounds it out. It's still weird though. There is sort of some balance but also this disjointed element where cereal comes through and it becomes a normal single malt. Coming off of low-grade bourbon and brandy, this has an appealing meaty smokiness with some allusions to peat on the nose. The palate is still very smoky with strong bitter elements that are reminiscent of peat, but it's not inherently bad. The sweetness is there and it balances the meatiness well. This reminds me a bit of Lagavulin 16, but it is not as well balanced. I get rendered pork mixed with cherry, apple, and liquid smoke. There are some other flavors of minerals, flowers, mild herbs, and so on, but I want to pause on that liquid smoke flavor because the problem is that it tastes artificial rather than like char from a barbeque. There's also some more sweet and fruity elements than makes sense for such a smoky drink that is trying to be meaty. It isn't bad, but it isn't a great sipper. This is not great in comparison with other malt whiskey, but it's actually pretty good following bourbon. It's sweeter with a lighter caramel taste them most bourbon and it also has some floral and light fruit notes that suggest Irish whiskey (but are not excessive), but it's also very smoky with a bitter herbal kick. In that mindset, it's not bad, but it is still harsh with some flavors that don't marry super well. It tastes a bit young. Mixed with some more lightly toasted American Oak, this might be really good. As it is, there is a nice finish, but it will punch your taste buds silly.