When pouring this dram, you read single malt islay, and you think you know what to expect... this 12 year old elixir will surprise you though. The nose presents with the friendliness of a Speycide, with soft edged fruit, surrounded by flowers and just a hint of peat smoke. Stay with it and a sweet vanilla makes itself known. The palate is also light, but not overly simple or lacking mouthfeel. A beautiful malt is at the front, which rolls into soft spices and a little bitterness that could be construed as cocoa. Finish lingers but is gentle, presenting the smoke that you were originally expecting and had to check the bottle to make sure it was an islay. A delicious and affordable single malt pour, as friendly as a Glenlivet or Glenfiddich... perfect to share with others who are new to the segment. If you are looking for more people to enjoy ardbegs and laphroaigs with (like me) but those scare them away, this is absolutely where you start.