Review #026 Type: single malt scotch Proof: 43% Comments: aged 25 years, ex-sherry and ex-bourbon Tasted after: Bowmore 18 Year Appearance (no score): Burnt umber color. Swirling reveals a thick line sticking to the side of the glass, legs form quickly. Nose: 18/20 Sweetness and fire embers, grilled pineapple, smoke, vanilla, hay, leather, and a light mustiness that reminds me of old books. Palate: 38/40 The flavor comes out of no where, but it’s a welcome bold uppercut to my tastebuds. It’s remarkably sweet, cherries and red currents dominate, accompanied by oak spice, campfire smoke, something tropical like mangoes, limoncello, and sea salted dark chocolates. Finish: 36/40 Medium-long finish. The alcohol burn and oak spice remain in perfect balance, gradually some cinnamon makes an appearance but there’s no flavor roller coaster here, it knows it’s delicious as-is and is content to let it ride until the last stop. With Water: Didn’t try with water unfortunately. Total: 92/100 Final thoughts: This is a really, really good dram, it’s a shame it takes 25 years to produce a scotch this good but certainly it well worth the wait! The price tags I’ve seen on these bottle may intimidate me from making a solo purchase, but would likely buy on site if I found one on sale. Price: taste from a friend’s bottle Would recommend: yes Would buy: maybe Scoring Legend: 96-100: The perfect dram, absolutely exceptional, nectar of the gods, I will savor this bottle and make it last, 5 stars. 90-95: Near perfect, there is something truly special about this whisky, 4.75 stars. 85-89: Very good to amazing, almost the complete product, 4.5 stars. 80-84: Quite good, very enjoyable to drink, but doesn’t wow me, 4.25 stars. 75-79: Good, enjoyable but ultimately flawed, unlikely to purchase again, 4 stars. 70-74: A solid dram, but wouldn't go out of my way to get it, 3.75 stars. 55-69: Drinkable, 3.5-2.75 stars. Below 55: Suitable for cooking or direct contribution to the kitchen sink drain, 2.5 stars or less.