The nose can be described as a combination of leather mixed with over chlorinated pool water. The taste is briny, salty, with the lightest touch of smoke, kinda like the smoke form a campfire that's 5 miles away. The aftertaste is oily and stays with you for a while, then you get to taste a last bit of sweetness along with saltiness just as the flavor fades. Overall not a great bottle of Scotch, but not a bad bottle of Scotch either. If you're asking if this a good introduction to Islay Scotch? I'd say no. Point newbies towards Caol Ila 12 or Laphroaig 10 instead.