Distillery/Brand: Bowmore
Region: Islay
ABV: 56%
Colour: Copper

Nose: 23
Taste: 22
Finish: 23
Balance: 22

Review
I bought a case of this expression almost a year and a half ago at my Malt Society’s annual Christmas bash. It was very warmly received thanks to the cold weather and high ABV.

Now I didn’t think much of it back then; probably because I was too busy doing other stuff to really take notice. So tonight when I spotted a half-empty bottle in the back of my shelf I decided to pull it out for a swig.

Nose: It doesn’t say anything in the official literature but the sherry in this expression is enormous. There is the faintest of peat smoke on thick meat sausage. Followed by an earthy dark sugar sweetness with a handful of clove and gorgeous dried thyme; like crashing headfirst into a sweet spice rack. The aromas are made all that greater by the fine incense smoke that envelopes everything in a shroud of deliciousness.

Palate: Intense dark fruits and bananas sit on a bed of caramel and burnt sugar. The sherry, then, mixes in with screaming spices and woody cured meats. An extremely potent experience.

Finish: Once again the massive spices come through with burnt raisins.

This is a lovely malt which has become even better over time. At least I think it’s become better.

Rating: 90