Bowmore The Devil's Casks 10 Year

This is an interesting specimen. It’s a 10-year-old fully matured in a high-quality sherry cask, at a robust 50%+ ABV. It first came out around $100 from what I recall, but now you can probably only find it in secondary markets. And, from my understanding, out of the three releases, this first one was the best. Without water, this tastes like Lay's BBQ chips. Pretty one-dimensional, and lacking the Islay smoke + sherry that I love. But... add a few drops of water, and the flavors really dance. Now we're talking Oaxacan Manchamantel (a sauce made with smoky peppers, apples, pineapple, and flame-roasted onion, garlic, tomatoes). Amazing how it transforms with water. I only had a 2cl sample, but if you do see a bottle of this still around, it’s a must-buy at the original $100 price. Secondary market prices... to each his own.

It's the George T. Stagg of Scotland... Leave it on your tongue and it will burn your tastebuds into a state of numb submission. You could add water, but what's the point when there's perfectly good saliva in your mouth? Feel the burn, embrace the burn, enjoy the burn, then linger in the nice sherry moment before you swallow and give the old liver a one-two... Buy it, drink it, respect it.

Classic sherry-matured Bowmore Nose: Raisins, Figs, Raspberries, Pineapples, Sultanas, Prunes, Morello Cherries Palate: Smoke, Raspberries, Toffee, Salted Honey, Bananas, Beef, Raisins, Hazelnuts Finish: Raisins, Honey, Salted Caramel, Beef, Pork Ribs, Nutmeg, Cinnamon, Christmas Cakes

Received as a Christmas gift from my son... Sweet, smoky, briny, and spicy. Notes of stewed dark fruit. It coats the mouth and has a lasting impression. Lingering campfire ash at the end. Added 10 drops of water - this reduced the alcohol and enhanced the flavors on the palate. This is my second dram of the day, enjoyed on World Whisky Day - May 16, 2015.

It begins with a trace of tobacco and dark chocolate, moving to a fresh, subtle earthy flavor with hints of spices and a very light, long-lasting smokiness. The end presents a spiced chocolate taste.

I have the second edition of the Devils Cask. It's excellent, offering a smoky sherry character unlike anything I've experienced. The ten years of aging shouldn't deter you; it's very mature. An awesome sherry smoke bomb.