Bowmore – 18 Year Old Sherry Oak Cask (70cl)

This is an 18 year old Islay single malt from Bowmore, in a 70cl bottle. It was matured in ex-Bourbon and Oloroso sherry casks, then finished in a Pedro Ximenez sherry cask. The character is built around citrus, sweet spice and the peaty undertones associated with the distillery. The nose has light, fragrant smoke like burning herbs, with butterscotch, a little menthol, nectarines, brine and ferns. The palate opens with a strong floral note, then a prickly middle of sweet syrup and sugared flowers, with a smooth, oily texture. The finish is sweet and lingering, with floral notes, lightly tannic wood and a touch of sawdust.