Not your classic smokey flavor but it is not suppose to be...this scotch is the what the word smooth was made to describe...a sweeter milder scotch but definitely a true scotch and this is my absolute favorite Scotch in the whole world!!! So don't miss this amazing scotch that will take you to new levels of scotch enjoyment. JW Gold is rated as one of the 20 best scotches in the world on many of the most famous reviewers lists!! Try this scotch and you will hooked like I am.