With a name like Viking Honour I was expecting a strong, bold punch to the senses, so I was surprised that it was quite the opposite at first. On the nose there is an incredible sweetness, but not sickly sweet.. a nice honey mixed with vanilla. Stay with it and there’s a slight rubber smell.. but not acrid like burnt tires.. like a new pair of Hunter boots you just put on as you explore the Island looking for the peat you thought you’d find. The palate gives more attitude then the nose lets on. The sweetness is now muted behind rich, oily mouthfeel and lots of pepper. Now I finally feel like I’m hanging out with Ragnar. Once the spice subsides the smoke shows up, but not aggressively, very beautifully actually, and then it unrolls all the malt, and you remember that this a drink made from barley. The oiliness doesn’t make it all the way through the finish tho.. it thins out quicker then you expect but lasts long enough that this is a decent slow sipper. All in all a solid whisky at a great price. I haven’t tried many Island region scotch’s yet, but love the additional character this has over some of the similar priced Highland or Speycides.