Bowmore 15 Year Old Laimrig batch 4

Nose: mmm cherry Twizzlers, sherry, honey, roses, soft leather notes, a hint of milk chocolate. This is has a very nice nose, not at all overwhelmed by the high abv.

Neat: ah, nuts. Nice balanced mouthfeel, but all I get neat is bitter, burning, pepperyness. If you like that sort of taste, then this is definitely right up your alley. Unfortunately, I don't... but let's see how it is with a spot of water added...

With about 15 drops of water: nose actually opens up a bit more, more leather and wood, reminds me of a much older single malt now. Loses some of the fruitier notes. Hmm. Tones down the overwhelming burn, maybe a little more water will help? After another 15 drops... nose opens up again, more wood and a little bit of salt and seashore. More leather. Huh, interesting. Still has a bite, but now I can actually taste some wood, honeysuckle, heather...

This is a very complex little dram. Now I understand why so many people hold it in such high regard. It's not quite my preferred kind of scotch, but it's interesting enough that I could see buying a bottle just to see how it changes over time.

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