After the whisky has been distilled, it is aged for ten years in first-fill bourbon casks. The casks are laid to rest in Bowmore Vault No. 1, a dark and damp cellar situated below sea level. As a result, the whisky encapsulates the rugged, stormy sea qualities of Bowmore Distillery — it has robust notes of earthy smoke and salty tang, which are followed by more tame hints of citrus. In addition, touches of milk chocolate and almond lead a to a slightly fruity yet still smoky finish.

"Dorus Mor has effervescent waves of citrus and ocean spice, tempered by warm ripples of smooth vanilla and wispy smoke," says Barrie. "It's like being out on a boat in the ocean waves, with bracing sea air, ocean spices and salty drizzle sharpening the senses and clearing the mind. As you get closer to shore, the bright sun breaks through the clouds bringing a satisfying warmth, rewarding you with sun-drenched fruit and vanilla sweetness."

Following maturation, the whisky is brought to proof with water drawn from the Laggan River. The water, which travels through a number of peat bogs before reaching the distillery, has subtle peaty undertones, which add additional notes of smoke to the whisky. Only 2,400 bottles of this limited edition, small batch whisky were released into the United States.There may not be a better bottle for the purist in your life. The second release of this new small batch series is much like the first, matured entirely in first-fill bourbon barrels for ten years, and bottled at a healthy cask strength and without chill filtration. More so than other regions, the best qualities of Islay are especially on display when bottled young and unadulterated. Bowmore has a knack for proving that the oldest distillery on Islay still has plenty of tricks up its sleeve.

Bowmore Dorus Mor 10 Year Old Small Batch Single Malt Scotch Whisky Release No. 1 pays tribute to Bowmore Distillery's location and the loch's treacherous waters (Dorus Mor means "rough, wild water"in ancient Gaelic).