NV Bowmore Tempest 10 Years Old 55.3%

Tempest to the world, Dorus Mor in the U.S., this has an intensely salty start that's like being slapped by a wave on Bowmore's harbor wall. That marine note continues: samphire, clams with a squeeze of lemon. Water brings out wet clay. The palate is equally briny, but with a sprig of lavender, then soft fruits wreathed in peat smoke. It's tense and coiled, with real energy when neat, but it's best like that, so deal with the heat.