Visitors to Bowmore’s No. 1 Vaults on the blustery Islay shores of Loch Indaal can feel the caress of the gentle saltwater spray that helps give this single malt its character. A precious few of these whiskies aged in ex-bourbon and ex-sherry barrels have been enhanced even further with at least 3 additional years in mizunara barrels. This rare Japanese oak imparts a floral sweetness similar to that of the aromatic Bowmore of the 1990s and creates a single malt redolent of soft, pillowy smoke misted with fruit-laced perfume.
- Although there is no age statement on the bottle, Mizunara Cask Finish whiskies are 15 to 25 years old.
- It is bottled at a cask-strength 107.8 proof, which adds depth to its flavors.
- The whisky was created by Bowmore’s master of malt, Iain McCallum; its master blender, Rachel Barrie; and its distillery manager, David Turner.
- Only 2,000 bottles were produced.
Bowmore, bowmore.com ($1,000)
