Bowmore 21yo Chateau Lagrange

Well, I have a fully formed opinion of Bowmore. I've declared myself a Bowmore supporter since visiting the distillery, but I often find their core expressions lacking certain elements, which led me to believe this wasn't the best Islay Whisky when I first tried it. After experiencing some of their rare expressions, I can honestly say that a hard-to-find Bowmore or a special release is always worth purchasing, as those releases are excellent. This is the case with this single malt matured in 1st Fill Ex-Château Lagrange Grand Cru Classé and bottled at 48.4% ABV. Château Lagrange is one of the few wineries to have earned the "Grand Cru Classé" designation, reserved for exceptional high-end Bordeaux wines. This is a 21-year-old Whisky. On the nose, it's perfect, incredibly complex. It starts with an intense, very appealing old orange note. A thick layer of brown sugar mixed with cocoa milk formula, oranges, and lemon peel. Incredible. Povidone cream. Recently cut grass. Out of nowhere, a red fruit note appeared, as if lurking behind the povidone scent. Super fancy caramel and salt; burnt caramel, crème brûlée. This is incredibly complex and amazingly interesting. Definitely brown sugar notes. Rum and raisin ice cream have emerged after letting it breathe. Apples and lemons. After 10 minutes, it's now impalpable sugar. Spectacular. On the palate, it begins with red apples and a sulfuric, metallic note. Salty and a "caramelish" sensation. A second sip provided marshmallows, toffee, and caramel in such a fancy and delicious manner. Then a pepper note hits your soul. Everything is delivered well. Lips scorching salt. Gooseberries. Aftertaste has this lovely smoke with hints of hay. Caramel. A little salty and brief on the first sip. The finish is just an uncanny puff of smoke. Incredible ending, very rewarding. Overall, I don't even understand why I'm not giving it a perfect score. (It actually lost 2 points on the palate) because this is one of the most enjoyable drams I've had recently. There are layers of flavors presented to you in a wonderful way. Truly a masterpiece; I could drink this forever. My score for it is 98 out of 100.