Situated on the west-facing shore of Loch Indaal, pretty much slap bang in the middle of the island, Bowmore occupies, perhaps not coincidentally, the middle ground of Islay styles. Cherished for its succulence and complexity, this is a magnificently balanced and harmonious single malt whisky.

Bowmore are one of only two distilleries on Islay to retain their own floor maltings - stoking their furnaces twice a week. The malt is peated to 20 p.p.m. and fermentation takes place in 6 large (40,000 litre) Oregon Pine washbacks using a distiller's yeast strain. Low wines are collected at 21% abv and the distillate passes through the oldest spirit safe in Scotland. The whisky is matured entirely on site in a mixture of ex-Bourbon and ex-Sherry casks.

Colour: Amber.

Nose: Peaty aroma with lemon and sea salt, giving a true Hebridean complexity.

Palate: Hints of dark chocolate and pears. Smoky flavour remaining throughout, with a touch of heather and honey.

Finish: Long and satisfying.