Bowmore 15 Fèis Ìle 2019 - 51.7%

 

A limited edition release of 3,000 bottles for the 2019 Fèis Ìle, this Bowmore bottling has undergone full maturation in first fill ex-bourbon casks. Bottled at a very respectable 51.7%

Tasting notes: 

Appearance: Pale gold, forms a thick line which falls as slow, thick legs.

Nose: Sweet honey, butterscotch and vanilla with light, lemony citrus and tropical fruit notes. Just a hint of smoke and coastal brine and a chalky minerality in the background. With a few drops of water more pineapple emerges.

Palate: A creamy introduction, followed by mango and other, albeit muted, tropical fruit. A touch of green apple, orange marmalade, stoned fruit and subtle vanilla follow, along with a more maritime salinity with time in the mouth. A few drops of water bring out more citrus and fruit notes and a touch more smoke.

Finish: Citric bordering on sour, coastal salt and slightly smoky.

Summary: Quite a summery dram with the emphasis on tropical fruits and citrus, together with a nod to it’s maritime roots. The usual ex-bourbon cask influence, bringing notes of vanilla and caramel, is quite muted giving the character of the Bowmore spirit more chance to shine through.

As this was bottled for the 2019 Fèis Ìle, it’s unsurprising that the most likely places to pick this up now are specialist retailers and the secondary market. Current auction prices have hovered around the £160 mark, although it can occasionally be picked up cheaper. Whilst the minimal peat may deter some Islay whisky fans, I would imagine many Bowmore devotees would be keen on the opportunity to try a 15 year old whisky with minimal cask influence.

If you would like more information on this whisky, or the Bowmore distillery, follow the link to the company website.

Transparency: No goods or other incentives were exchanged, offered or requested for this independent review.