Islay’s first licensed distillery, in operation since 1779, Bowmore has long been a cult favorite peated whisky, particularly beloved in recent years for their 15 year old bottling, which comes off as just as rich, but less intensely peaty than many of it’s more famous Islay brethren. Matured first in bourbon barrels then Oloroso casks, there are few finer examples of sherried peat. It’s the final three years spent in first fill Oloroso sherry casks that gives Bowmore 15 Year Old the deep colour and robust richness. On the nose, dark chocolate and raisin aromas compliment the classic, meaty Bowmore smokiness. The palate is creamy and spicy, with rich treacle toffee, cedar wood, dried cherries, smoked almonds, and a hint of mint and cinnamon on the finish, with rising smoke as it fades. Bottled at 43% abv.