SMWS 3.243 (Bowmore 17 yo 1997/2015)

SMWS 3.243 (Bowmore 17 yo 1997/2015)

2015, SMWS
Single malt - Islay
Chinese tea
57.1% ABV
Dram

Nose: Smoke, chocolate, grilled pork, dates, maple syrup, balsamic vinegar, hints of coffee. With water, prunes, more balsamic vinegar. 
Mouthfeel: Medium body, loosens slightly, airy, slightly watery around the edges. 
Tasting: Bitter sweet. Smoke, sherry, dates, chocolate, grilled pork, cloves. With water, tart, lemon zest, plums. 
Finish: Long. Cloves, coffee, maple syrup, butterscotch. 

Comments: 

Oooh. Lovely smoky sherried Islay whisky. This is so meaty yet bittersweet (loads of dark chocolate coming through). Many many bitter notes - maple syrup, dates, coffee - yet with a tart edge underlying all that. The tart edge is more pronounced with water. Very good indeed.

Verdict:

I like this a lot.