Bowmore 15 Fèis Ìle 2022 54.7%
Appearance: Old gold, forms a thick line which breaks and falls as slow, thick legs.
Nose: Subtle, with a mix of tropical fruit, butterscotch and vanilla bringing sweetness. Just a hint of smoke adds to gentle woody oak and a white pepper prickle. A couple of drops of water open the nose considerably, bringing more of the vanilla and oaky notes, together with allowing the smokiness to come forward at the expense of some of the alcohol burn.
Palate: A thick, oily mouthfeel at first, turning creamy with time in the mouth. Lots of tropical fruit, mainly pineapple and mango, together with nectarines, rich vanilla butterscotch sauce and shortbread. The high abv brings punch and a significant white pepper element. In similar fashion to the nose, a few drops of water bring out more smoke, woody oak and vanilla but still allow the tropical fruit to shine through.
Finish: Sweet, peppery and slightly smoky. Water brings out more sweetness, nutty oak and smoke but at the expense of a shorter finish.
Summary: A very enjoyable Bowmore with rich tropical fruit notes and a great mouthfeel although a little unbalanced when neat. Add a few drops of water and the impact of the alcohol is tamed, allowing fruit, smoke and wood spice notes to take centre stage.
This is priced at £135 so it isn’t a cheap whisky, and it has to be said you’re paying a premium for it being a Fèis Ìle release and the collectibility factor. It’s a good quality whisky which I’m glad I tried, but it’s not one I could justify purchasing.
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.
