Bowmore – 1981 Limited Release (70cl, 49.6%)

Bowmore 1981 is an Islay single malt distilled at Bowmore in 1981 and bottled in 2010 after 28 years in oak casks. It is the first release in the Bowmore Vintage Series, bottled at a cask strength of 49.6% in a 70cl bottle. Only 402 bottles were filled. The whisky is non-chill-filtered, and each bottle comes in a wooden box with a numbered certificate hand-signed by the Distillery Manager. The nose brings treacle toffee, ripe figs and smoked vanilla pods, with a light, fragrant fruitiness. The palate opens with a little earthy peat smoke, then fruit, balanced by a tang of Atlantic sea salt.