I'm not a scotch drinker, more of a bourbon guy. But I was told I needed to dip my toes in the scotch pool. Color is a nice copper. Definitely get the notes of the rum casks on the nose but I'm also picking up a hint of wheat, grass, spice and a port or brandy. The smoke is there, but not as strong as I thought. Palate is sweet upon entry to the mouth, it's slightly oily which coats the mouth and throat. Getting hints of citrus, bread pudding, toffee, and again smoke but not much. Finish is pleasant, very slight heat that doesn't last long. A little medicinal after taste but goes away after 30 seconds or so. It might not be an expensive scotch, but for the money, and for my first attempt at scotch, I was pleasantly surprised and would buy this again.