** Disclaimer: This review is what I would consider a “Quick Hit”- meaning I won’t have my usual in-depth notes that I usually like to take. The reason: this sample was poured at Whiskyfest DC on 4/17/18. All of these reviews will not be scored and I am actively looking to try them again at some point to do them more justice. I had really high hopes for this one and I’m happy to say it didn’t disappoint me. I have the 2 bottles of this Vintner’s Trilogy: this 18 and the 26yo. I’m anxiously awaiting the 27yo’s release later this fall to make the set complete. It was great getting a chance to taste this one. It has the typical Bowmore sweet smoke profile, with an added bonus of the Amontillado sherry casks thrown in for good measure. The higher ABV also wards off most of the sulphuric notes usually associated with Bowmore. There was plenty of briny, sea notes here too. If the finish were a little more polished it would be a near perfect Bowmore. As it is, I’d say it was a solid 4. Cheers.