Bowmore – 25 Years Old (70cl, 43%)

Bowmore 25 Years Old is an Islay single malt in a 70cl bottle, bottled at 43% ABV. It spent a quarter of a century maturing in a combination of North American bourbon casks and Spanish Oloroso sherry casks, and the double maturation gives it a mahogany colour. Bowmore was founded on Islay in 1779 and still malts part of its barley on traditional floor maltings. The nose is led by sherry, with stewed fruit, raisins, prunes, sultanas, fresh raspberries and creamy custard over a light smokiness. The palate brings toffee and hazelnuts, butterscotch and charred cocoa, with a touch of sweet peat smoke. The finish is soft, mild and complex.