Nose: Peat smoke of the maritime persuasion. Kelp, sweet citrus, vanilla, treacle. Pleasantly restrained. Palate: Sweet-tinged peat and toffee on the arrival. The development introduces an unmistakable grain-whisky character. The texture is pleasant, almost creamy, and there is no burn at all. Very easy, buttery and warming on the palate, with notes of mocha coffee and barbecue sauce. Finish: Medium. Soft malty smoke flavours that fade into the aftertaste. Very pleasant, and perfectly acceptable as long as you keep in mind this is an attractively priced blended scotch. Don't approach it expecting a "storm-force 10" Islay single malt or robust mainland peated single malt. It does not have the depth and strength of profile you get in a such whiskies, but that is not at all a flaw. This scotch must be judged in context against its peers and it sits somewhere between a mass-market mildly smoky blend like Johnnie Walker Double Black and a smoky blended malt like The Six Isles or Compass Box Peat Monster. Its grain component gives it sweetness and good texture, and at the low proof it is very easy to drink neat. It also has enough presence to stand up to mixing and it would work well in a coke 'n smoke or as a cocktail ingredient. I tried half of my sample with a couple of drops of water and it took it well. The presentation was quickly muted however so if adding water don't drown it - it's not fragile, just mild and it can be swamped. As a gently smoky dram over ice or with water I'm sure many people would find this highly enjoyable. I certainly did. If you like the tastes you've had of Islay whisky but still find most of them to be a bit too intense for your palate than this might be just what you are seeking. Tasted from a 30ml sample. "Above Average" : 82/100 (3.25 stars)