The second in Bowmore’s Vintner’s Trilogy, which showcases the effects of wine maturation on their smoky, Islay spirit.

Matured in the No. 1 Vaults at Bowmore distillery, which is said to be the oldest Scotch maturation house still in operation, this whisky has spent the first 13 years of its aging in former Bourbon barrels, with the same period then spent in ex-wine French oak barriques. With such a long additional aging period, it cannot really be considered a finish, but more of a second maturation.

The final result is a weighty, opulent dram that perfectly showcases the combination of Islay smoke and red wine richness. This Bowmore delivers flavours of thick, plum jam, burning oak, earthy peat (tempered somewhat by the aging), juicy red grapes, raspberries, espresso, raisins, sea spray, dark chocolate, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla and toffee’d burnt malt.

Bottled at a higher proof of 48.7% ABV, for extra intensity and body, this is a decadent whisky.