Bowmore – 22 Year Old Sauternes Finish (70cl, 48%)

This is a 22-year-old Islay single malt from Bowmore, developed for travel retail and bottled at 48%. It matured first in American white oak casks that previously held bourbon, then was finished in Sauternes barriques from Bordeaux. The finish adds sweetness to the Islay character, with heathery peat still present as a counterpoint. The nose brings ripe clementine and lemon, heathery peat, sweet honeycomb and vanilla. The palate starts soft and sweet, then moves to green grapes, baked apple, cinnamon and candied ginger. The finish joins honey, butterscotch and vanilla in a sweet close.