Bowmore 15 Year Old Sherry Cask Finish Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky (750ml)

This Islay single malt was finished in Sherry casks, delivering a ruddy hue and brisk, smoky scent with a hint of sea air salinity. Peat and iodine lead the palate, evolving into mouthwatering olive brine, kalamata olive and unsweetened chocolate, finishing long and dry with hints of ash, clove and black pepper. A splash of water integrates the cocoa and peat tones. (KN) (12/2019)

Formerly known as Darkest, this expression was given a secondary maturation for 3 years in oloroso sherry casks. The nose features smoky caramel, dates, citrus fruits, and quite dry sherry. Dark chocolate and cocktail cherries on the rich malty palate, with peat smoke and a hint of dry oak balancing the sweet fruitiness. Sherry, brine, soft peat, oak, and allspice in the lingering finish. (GS, Spring 2020)

**The brand has removed the word darkest for yet to be determined reasons, but the juice in the 15 year is the same as before. It still remains a flagship sherried Islay unlike any other.** Double-Gold Medal 2013 San Francisco World Spirits Competition. Also on F. Paul Pacult's list of the Scotch whiskies to be drinking in 2007. And back in 2004, when it was just called "Darkest," Wine Enthusiast hailed the bottling as one of the 50 Best Spirits of 2004: "The opening inhalation offers deep aromas of nutmeg, oloroso sherry, dark toffee and black pepper; further aeration stirs up thrilling scents of chocolate-covered cherries, tobacco smoke, sea brine, paraffin, praline and cedar box--a textbook Islay/sherry perfume. Palate entry is winey, concentrated and stunningly Sherry-like; at midpalate the taste profile expands to include dark honey, butterscotch, old oak, vanilla extract and cocoa bean. Concludes delicately and as sweet as honey but with a bit of smoke. If you want a hint of what the legendary but no longer available Black Bowmore 1964 was like, pick up a bottle of Darkest."