Bowmore Vintner's Trilogy 18 Year Double Matured Manzanilla

This expression could have landed me in serious trouble at a conventional workplace. It remained on my desk for a week after opening, situated between my monitor and a peculiar phrenology head. In a formal setting with HR oversight and a strict no-alcohol policy, this would be problematic, though perhaps less so than the phrenology bust itself. Fortunately, my professional environment is different. The tradition of "3 o-clock scotch" began with my business partner nearly a decade ago. Discussing the day's events over a dram has never been an issue, and neither of us are close to needing rehabilitation. In fact, some of our most innovative ideas and insights have emerged during these midday whisky sessions. However, when a bottle tempts you during a webinar or a design meeting to pinpoint its flavor profile, regardless of the circumstances, it's an irresistible call to action, like a directive from a trusted authority. So, I listened intently for several days. The intricate character within demanded careful re-evaluation and consideration. This Hebridean treasure was well worth the focused attention. Nose: Upon swirling, this 18-year-old displays impressive legs. It leads with smoke and peat, characteristic of an Islay. While smoke is prominent and peat slightly less so, the harmony of smoke and peat is beautifully complemented by a perfect sweetness from the ex-sherry casks. Palate: Imagine the unconventional camper who roasted everything except hot dogs or marshmallows. Now picture a mandarin orange at the end of his roasting stick. This Bowmore offering presents a generous amount of smoky, charred citrus, followed by dried apricots. Roasted nuts and dark chocolate emerge next, concluding with a cinnamon warmth on the finish, reminiscent of the sensation from very hot cocoa. Finish: This whisky is bold. Its lengthy finish of toffee evokes a pairing with dry-rubbed ribs and a bourbon-soaked fruit cake. Best enjoyed by a crackling fire on a late autumn evening, accompanied by a continuous loop of 1960s Sinatra. A truly exceptional dram.

I had high expectations for this one, and I'm pleased to report it met them. I possess two bottles from this Vintner's Trilogy: this 18-year-old and the 26-year-old. I eagerly anticipate the release of the 27-year-old later this fall to complete the set. It was a valuable opportunity to sample this expression. It exhibits the characteristic sweet smoke profile of Bowmore, enhanced by the addition of Amontillado sherry cask finishing. The elevated alcohol content also helps to mitigate many of the sulfurous notes typically found in Bowmore. Additionally, there were prominent briny, oceanic notes. If the finish were slightly more refined, it would be an almost perfect Bowmore. As it stands, I would rate it a solid 4. Cheers.

Outstanding spirit. The perfect blend of sweet and salty. Aroma: Smoke, Apricots, Sultanas, Figs, Pineapples, Raisins, Salted Caramel, Honey, Tar, Treacle, Luxardo Cherries, Roses, Haagen Dazs White Chocolate Raspberry Truffle Ice Cream, Hazlenuts Taste: Raisins, Figs, Salted Toffee, Piña Colada, Raspberries, Milk Chocolate, Almonds, Salted Cod, Smoke, Papayas, Peaches, Apricots, Prunes, Morello Cherries Finish: Blackberries, Figs, Mangoes, Salted Caramel, Honey, Luxardo Cherries, Chili Peppers, Papaya Syrup, Orgeat

Review #2 of 12 from DC Whiskyfest 2018. My participation was limited to 12 samples as I became unwell that afternoon, significantly affecting my head and stomach. I should have remained in my hotel room, but I didn't pay $350 for VIP tickets just to test my pillow! No scores assigned to any samples as I felt it wouldn't be fair. Strong notes of oak, vanilla, and peat on the nose. Vanilla, chocolate, peat, oak, and pepper on the palate. It doesn't seem to offer great depth, but I could be mistaken.

On the nose: orange, floral, berry, and toffee with a hint of peat. The floral notes are reminiscent of Springbank 15, but with a stronger peat presence. The palate continues with floral orange and peat, along with toffee and some pepper leading into the finish. The peat seems to be in the mild to moderate range. A touch of leather, chocolate, and orange completes the finish. All the flavors here work for me. Floral, orange, toffee, peat. Delicious.

Bowmore Vertical 5 of 7. Damn, this is good! I feel like all my senses are going wild and my body is about to erupt with intense flavors. The sheer amount of emotion it evokes almost brings me to tears. Considering the price compared to the other whiskies tasted today, I believe this one would warrant starting a savings fund. Saving $10 monthly would allow me to buy a bottle in three years.