Bowmore The Vinter's Trilogy Manzanilla Cask 18 Year Islay Single Malt Whisky 750ml

Bowmore's Vintner's Trilogy represents one of the most ambitious cask finishing projects in Islay whisky, and this Manzanilla Cask 18 Year stands as perhaps the most intriguing chapter. By finishing this well-aged Bowmore in casks that previously held Manzanilla sherry – the driest and most delicate of sherries – the distillery has created something genuinely unique: an Islay whisky that balances smoke and sea with an almost ethereal wine influence.

Manzanilla sherry, produced exclusively in Sanlúcar de Barrameda on Spain's Atlantic coast, develops under a layer of flor yeast that creates its distinctive dry, salty, almost maritime character. These characteristics make it a fascinating partner for Bowmore's coastal whisky. The 18-year base spirit has already developed considerable complexity through traditional maturation, and the Manzanilla finish adds layers of nuance rather than overwhelming sweetness. It's a marriage of two coastal traditions separated by thousands of miles but united in character.

Visually, this expression presents a pale gold with subtle green highlights – unusual for a sherry-finished whisky but characteristic of Manzanilla's influence. The nose is immediately captivating and unlike any other Bowmore. The expected peat smoke is present but transformed, becoming more herbal and maritime. The Manzanilla influence brings fascinating notes: sea spray, green olives, salted almonds, and a distinctive minerality. There's an almost saline quality that amplifies Bowmore's coastal character while adding new dimensions. Beneath these unusual notes, classic Bowmore elements persist – gentle smoke, citrus oils, and hints of vanilla. The overall effect is sophisticated and thought-provoking.

On the palate, the Manzanilla influence creates a unique textural experience – almost champagne-like in its elegance. The initial impression is surprisingly dry and mineral-driven, with notes of sea salt, green apple, and that distinctive Manzanilla character. The peat smoke emerges gradually, now tasting more of dried herbs and sea vegetables than traditional smoke. Mid-palate brings more recognizable Bowmore notes – honey sweetness, gentle spices, and maritime elements – but they're all transformed by the Manzanilla influence. There's a beautiful interplay between the dry, salty wine notes and the whisky's inherent sweetness, creating constant evolution on the palate.

The finish is long and incredibly complex, with the Manzanilla and whisky elements creating a fascinating dialogue. Initial dryness gives way to gentle smoke, then returns to that distinctive salty, mineral character. There are notes of preserved lemons, smoked sea salt, and the faintest hint of that flor character – almost like fresh bread dough. The very end brings a convergence of coastal elements from both Scotland and Spain, creating a truly unique conclusion.

The Vintner's Trilogy Manzanilla Cask represents Bowmore at its most innovative and daring. This isn't a whisky for those seeking typical sherry sweetness or heavy peat smoke. Instead, it's for adventurous drinkers who appreciate subtlety and complexity, who want to explore what happens when two great coastal traditions meet. Limited in production and unlikely to be repeated, this expression stands as a testament to the art of thoughtful cask finishing and the magic that can happen when distilleries dare to be different.