Whisky: Bowmore 16 Year (1997), Shinanoya "The Moon" Cask 900017

Country/Region: Scotland/Islay

ABV: 56.2%

Cask: Sherry Butt

Age: 16 Years (Distilled 30 April 1997, Bottled 26 June 2012)

Nose: Tropical citrus with coastal brine and a mild antiseptic quality; camphor and dustballs; calamansi and yuzu; heather and coastal grasses; mellow salinity with hints of wispy chimney smoke and beach tar.

Palate: Medium to full-bodied, thick and oily with dried tropical fruits and crushed citrus; wispy smoke and tar along a coastal salinity and subtle dried grass; minerals, fatty smoked meats, and herbs danced further in the background; lingering fruits, teas, and wispy smoke.

Finish: Medium length with camphor, wispy smoke, and a kiss of tropical citrus.

Score: 7-8 (86)

Mental Image: Walkabout While the Meat Smokes

Narrative & Notes: The aroma was bright and inviting, with plenty of tropical citrus fronting an unusual medicinal-herbal quality that steered toward camphor and all manner of soft coastal notions.  Most of those notes carried onto the palate, which was thick and almost buttery at times, with ample tropical fruits, citrus, and more prevalent smoke and salt.  Fatty meats and herbs appeared from the hefty texture as fruits, herbal teas, and smoke lingered through to the finish, which featured a lovely touch of camphor at the end.

A delightful celebration of fruit and smoke with meaty undertones.  The industrial and dirtier elements were well-integrated with the maritime brine and balanced by the touch of earth and grass. At times it was a touch peppery at the end, but the overall balance was nice.  A perfect dram for kicking back with when you cannot decide between smoke and fruit.

Image Credit: Scotch&Sheen (Check out his excellent review through the link)