2021 expression of this budget malt, aged according to the for 3 years in “oak barrels”. It’s colour bears no relation to a spirit of that age, with a rich amber pour characteristic of a dram with added caramel colouring. The profile is typically Islay: sweet peat smoke, toffee and brine on the nose; this develops on the palate with more seaweed and saltiness. Less aggressive than those from the south coast, whisper it quietly but is this a young Bowmore? Compared to drams of similar provenance, there’s little in the way of ‘burn’ or chemical aftertaste. Not shabby given the price.