Nose: elegant and leathery. Whiffs of Oloroso appear, with this beautifully ‘evolved peatiness’ that adds a mix of ripe mango and eucalyptus. Really typical of older Bowmore. Then dark honey, hints of hazelnuts and light tobacco. It keeps growing more aromatic over time, with fragrant peaches as well as bolder medicinal aromas like camphor and bandages. Lovely.
Mouth: oh yes, definitely more tropical than last year’s edition, in my opinion. Just a beautiful mix of pink grapefruits, sweet papaya and ripe blood oranges, with a touch of red berries. This mingles with mint leaves, Timur berries and wet tobacco. Then a subtle saltiness appears, with drops of cold coffee, always backed by the sherry sweetness.
Finish: long and warming, with soaked fruits, subtle sherry spice and a whiff of mint.