Taster

Nose: Seems fractionally smokier than the earlier version labelled Bowmore Claret. Peaty. Grassy. Linseed. Leather armchairs. Deliciously evocative.

Palate: Rich, fruity, smoky. Lots of flavour development: perfumy fruit, nuts (almonds?), vanilla.

Finish: Toffeeish, cedary, oaky, smoky. Long.

Comment: After that smoky start, becomes much more toffeeish than most Bowmores. But is this a good thing?

Score: 8.8

Taster

Nose: A dextrous aroma, beautifully sculpted. The peat is even and forms merely a backdrop; in the foreground are rose petals, apple and grape.

Palate: A soft, controlled explosion of peat that reaches all parts of the palate.

Finish: Only now some age and oak appear, drying out the easy sweetness of the peat malt and grape.

Comment: Brilliantly balanced and a fabulous addition to the rich tapestry of Islay malts.

Score: 8.3