You can’t Skyfall it and make your way through Scotland in an Aston Martin. You can’t visit Islay to experience the bodaciousness of Bowmore, so Bowmore is bringing it to you. The distillery (Scotland’s second oldest) has just launched a premium range solely for duty free shops, the trio – Bowmore Black Rock, Bowmore Gold Reef, Bowmore White Sands – pays tribute to its heritage and are very collectable single malts. At a tasting session with Bowmore Global Brand Ambassador Gordon Dundas, the three single malts were paired with Japanese seafood, a notable match-up as these Islay whiskies have a hint of saltiness. Oysters? Bring it.

Black Rock: The Black Rock of Islay rises majestically out of Loch Indaal. Matured predominantly in ex-Spanish sherry casks, it is a delicious balance of peat smoke, treacle toffee and orange. Has a unique salty taste that goes well with sea urchin and sashimi. And oysters. (40% ABV)

Gold Reef: Named for the way the sun’s rays reflect off the coral seabed. Predominantly matured in first-fill ex-bourbon casks, it rewards with notes of smooth vanilla, citrus fruits and sea salt. This one is a little saltier than Black Rock, and Dundas adds that “as Bowmore ages, it loses its smokiness.” Really suits a spicier dish like ebi or roe. And oysters. (43%)

White Sands: The seven miles of beaches along Islay’s coast has inspired this 17-year-old beauty. Matured in the finest ex-bourbon casks, the rich treacle of toffee and ripe exotic fruits are bound together by warm peat smoke. According to Dundas, this 17-year-old is a legendary dram, (43%)

Next time you or your pals are travelling, go score a bottle. And if you’re heading to Islay, I suggest you don’t drive. (Ask Bond if he’d give you a ride, you’d make better company than M).

Fun fact:

• Islay is home to 10 famous distilleries, of which Bowmore is the oldest (estb. 1779).
• Islay is the southernmost island of the Inner Hebrides, and is also known as the “Queen of the Hebrides”. Population > 3000.

Check out www.bowmore.com

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