Woodwinters is a wine and whisky merchant in Scotland. They have a series of bottlings with rather cryptical names.
The label says The Four which seems to be used for Islay bottlings (The One is Speyside, The Two are the Highlands…). Notice there are four seals in the picture. The subtitle Isle solera is probably hinting towards sherry cask maturation. Why not simply mention 16 years old Bowmore from a sherry cask?
Anyway, middle-aged Bowmore from a sherry cask, bring it on.
‘Isle Solera’ 16 yo (58,1%, Woodwinters ‘The Four’ 2016, sherry butt, 50cl, 700 btl.)
Nose: very good, dark and leathery sherry. Blackberries, black cherries and raisins. Hints of pencil shavings and crushed peppercorns. Gentle, earthy peat and hints of cigars. Dark chocolate and Black Forest cake. Coffee liqueur. Really good, very rich and clean.
Mouth: brown sugar, baked apples and a really nice hint of Fernet-Branca. You know, sweet herbal liqueur with plenty of mentholated and medicinal touches. Pleasant traces of fruits: blackcurrants, blood oranges, echoes of roasted pineapple. Hints of walnuts and tobacco. Some earthy, briney touches too.
Finish: long, on dark sherry, Lapsang tea, raisins and spices (pepper, nutmeg).
This was bottled late 2016 and seems to have remained under the radar, but it is quite excellent. It reminds me of the Bowmore 1998 Feis Ile 2017 so it comes recommended. Quite a fair price as well. Still available from Master of Malt.
Score: 90/100