Quite a first impression. Peat and smoke hit, but they are immediately followed by fruity sweetness. The smoke gives way, leaving peat and sweet fruit. The fruit has a clean, somewhat refreshing flavor that makes this drink interesting, unlike the many over-sherried scotches out there. It reminds me a bit of Ardbeg Uigeadail, but mellower. The balance is terrific, with some mineral notes coming in with the alcohol flavor, but not hogging the spotlight. As the peat fades, coffee and rich chocolate come in, rounding things out and giving it a smooth, creamy finish. Unfortunately, as I drink it, the astringent coffee and mineral flavors increasingly stand out, impairing the experience. By the end, it is a bit too much like Bastille 1789, though it is somewhat better balanced. The peat is effective at adding some balance and depth, but the drink as a whole does not quite come together. Sadly, it falls victim to the fruit, much like the Uigeadail. It smells smokey and a little peaty, but also a bit of cereal. The palate is all three of those things with the peat and cereal overwhelming the smoke. It's smooth, but also mild. There's some cinnamon spice going on and a little bit of prickliness, but it doesn't burn. Fresh apples dance in the background, adding some interest and making it a little refreshing. It's fairly complex and it is balanced, but the notes are fairly mediocre and there is a weakness to it where everything just kind of blends together. It reminds me of a less aggressive Laphroaig 10. There is some medicinal flavor to it, but it doesn't really punch you in the face. The seaweed flavor balances the orange that hangs out with the cereal. I don't love the flavors, but I could sip this easily. There's something generically sweet hanging out here that provides a monotone backing. This could be a lot better if it had some sort of backing with character, like fruit or toffee. It's a solid smokey whisky, but it really needs something more - and simply adding age wouldn't be enough. That said, there are no bad notes here - nothing stands out as great, but nothing stands out as bad either. As with all Japanese whiskey though, it is absolutely not worth the price. I'd call it better than Laphroaig 10, but decidedly inferior to Highland Park 18.