1998 Berry Bros. & Rudd Bowmore, Cask Ref. 803732, Islay, Single Malt Scotch Whisky (50.2%)

Due to limited stocks, this spirit is limited to 1 bottle per customer.

‘Standing on the pier at Bowmore, in the howling rain, watching the sun attempt to rise on a frigid February morning was excellent preparation for a couple of hours spent nosing and tasting casks. Some were almost as confrontational as the storm that raged outside, but when that little touch of fruity sunlight shone through, those were the special barrels.’

Rob Whitehead, Spirits Buyer, Berry Bros. & Rudd

The nose immediately gives Bowmore’s trademark fusion of soft coastal peat smoke and thick tropical fruits, however this whisky goes on, and on, developing into a sensory labyrinth of cigar smoke, harbour rope, grapefruit juice and dark chocolate. While the nose alone could keep one contented for hours, the palate is equally phenomenal; initially delicate peat smoke with slight spice before giving an explosion of pineapple and mouth watering guava on the back palate which lingers long on the finish. This whisky serves as an affirmation that late 1990s Bowmore is amongst the greatest whisky ever created.