Bowmore 25yo Distiller's Anthology

Let me share about an exceptional dram I experienced this year: the magnificent Bowmore 25yo Anthology. I've seen this command high prices at auctions, but I never anticipated its amazing quality. I had the chance to sample it at a very reasonable price during Bowmore's Feis Ile 2024 celebration, at their "old & rare" bar – quite a party. Bottled at 50.2% ABV, the label is very attractive. On the nose, it's perfection: hints of fish market, an aroma I can only describe as Oloroso sherry syrup, glazed pork, red fruit syrup, cherries dipped in chocolate, maraschino cherries, coffee mocha, and a chocolate bar. The palate offers an incredible salty Oloroso sherry flavor with notes of tobacco and chocolate – pure chocolate magnificence. The aftertaste is simply smoky perfection, long-lasting and fantastic. Overall, this might be one of Bowmore's greatest whiskies ever. Absolutely delicious, powerful, complex, and elegant. I hope to acquire a full bottle someday, as this truly astonished me. A perfect score, 100 out of 100. Cheers.