BOWMORE 1973 16yo SESTANTE High Proof

A high-proof BOWMORE from the early 1970s, excellent. BOWMORE BOWMORE 1973 16yo SESTANTE 62.8% The aroma is initially shy but gradually expands into a pleasant, old-world character with tingling notes of fully ripe melon, raisins, and juicy grape juice, orange, caramel, light coffee, peat, and a slightly damp barley. On the palate, it starts with a powerful mouthfeel that expands into a rich, fruity sweetness with tropical fruits like passion fruit, ripe melon, grape juice, strong peat with a tarry note, caramel, and a deep, fruity sweetness. The tannins add depth to the flavor, with a thick-bodied structure and a long finish. 【Very Good/Excellent】 The BOWMORE 1973 from SESTANTE, aged for 16 years. This is a highly potent bottle at 62.8% ABV. The aroma initially feels closed in but gradually opens up with time. The old-world character is present without being off-putting, starting with a clear, enchanting note of fully ripe melon. There's also a grape-like juiciness reminiscent of sherry cask maturation, and since the aging period isn't excessively long, the peat and barley notes are clearly perceptible. On tasting, it expands with a powerful yet aromatic complexity, adding tropical fruits to the existing fruit and sherry notes from the aroma. The good tannic structure typical of sherry casks adds depth to the flavor, and as expected for a high-proof bottling, the body feels solid. The peat asserts itself strongly with a tarry nuance. The bold presence reminiscent of Islay cask strength bottlings is clearly felt, while also allowing enjoyment of the fruity character typical of good early 1970s BOWMORE. While BOWMORE from the 1970s onward tends to have slightly diminished tropical characteristics, with more bottles exhibiting a green, cucumber-like freshness, some early 1970s bottlings like this one blend such green notes with other elements to create an enchanting aroma reminiscent of fully ripe melon. This bottle was particularly notable for that characteristic.