Bowmore whiskey from Islay (pronounced eye-lah by the way) is among my favorites. Its characteristics are smokey, peaty, iodiney and slightly carbolic with the tang of the salt air coming in off the Atlantic.

Is it 12 or 15 years old ?

I used to indulge in the 12 year old as it was all I could afford, and only on occasion. The price here has now gone beyond my range ($50 cdn).It can be had in Vermont for $18 U.S. and I enjoy it on my yearly trip down.

Drink it with a splash of good spring water and you'll be transported to the rugged wind-whipped shores of Scotland.