It's unlike other Ardbegs in the lack of deep, rich smoked veg....but that's ok with me. The aromas and underlying peat is there from the start but it takes a minty mouthwash turn...still ok with me. There's a dry, chocolate or brownie hit that mixes and becomes a peppery butterscotch. The sharpness of the light sherry tang washes through then it rolls onto a really mellow Ardbeg finish. The sherry is the last thing that remains on the very back of my tounge, an almost artificial sweetener taste, perhaps my only complaint. For $60 I appreciate where this takes you. It's different from most Islay and especially Ardbeg. I'd say if you have the extra $20 grab Uigeadail, one of the greatest tastes to ever touch my lips...but On Oa is a solid, lighter Islay.