Bowmore 16 Year Old Ruby Port Cask Finish Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)

Good to see age statements making a comeback in the Duty-Free scene. Some tasters considered this a high point in Bowmore's 'Appellations Collection'. Matured in American Oak ex-Bourbon and European Oak Sherry casks before being finished in Portuguese x-Ruby Port casks. 43% Alc./Vol.

Other reviews... this indulgent, satisfying dram is the standout in this collection. Assuredly peaty on the nose, with cranberry, strawberry bubble gum, black currant mousse, and fine spices. It’s soothing and smooth in the mouth, showing milk chocolate, fudge cake, brown sugar, and salty smoke, then a finish of chocolate lava cake and peat smoke. (Travel Retail exclusive) 94 points - whiskyadvocate.com

In a way, we have to admire the sheer nerve it takes to lob 16-year-old Bowmore into Ruby Port. I daresay that requires a certain leap of faith. Colour: ripe apricot. Nose: well now, this isn’t half bad either; this time we’re veering more towards PX territory. Black pepper and plump black grapes, geranium, sandalwood, lonzo sausage, and very dark potting soil... Mouth: naturally it’s been crafted with great care, the cherry, blackcurrant and blackberry are all present and accounted for, though they’re nicely woven into that beloved salty and smoky malt base. Still, it does lean rather sweet... Finish: fairly long but the red fruits begin to take over, veering into smoked cherry jam with hints of fir wood. Or something along those lines. Comments: this one gave us a chuckle, which is quite the thing in these times. It’s a bit like the Eurovision Song Contest. 82 points - whiskyfun.com