Bowmore 18 - 43%
From the distillery website
Cosseted away in the finest, hand-selected oak casks and allowed to mature at its own sedate pace, this is one of the most remarkable, perfectly balanced single malt scotch whiskies of its kind. One of our rarest whiskies, bottles of Bowmore 18 Year Old may be limited, but there's no end to its enjoyment.
A combination of ex-Bourbon barrels and ex-Sherry Casks, this is a relative newcomer to the core range, having been introduced as a replacement for the popular 17 year-old expression in 2007.
Tasting notes
Appearance: Tawny gold, forms a thin line which beads before slowly falling as thin, oily legs.
Nose: Overripe pineapple, ripened berries, roasted chestnuts, caramelised and slightly burnt sugar on crème brûlée, leather tobacco pouch and a whiff of sea air and salt. With time, a little dunnage warehouse comes through.
Palate: Thin arrival followed by a soft, buttery mouthfeel. Stewed stone fruit, chocolate enrobed orange and lemon peel, linseed oil, slightly bitter almonds, worn leather armchairs, coastal sea salt and a subtle hint of dry, bonfire smoke.
Finish: Seville orange marmalade, dark toffee and chocolate, a hint of cinnamon warmth together with more brine and soft smoke.
Overall: It’s a pleasant, good quality whisky but not one which instantly grabs my attention in the way many Islay malts do. Despite the presence of some lovely orange and leather notes it’s the thin texture on arrival that stands out more than anything else. Whether it’s a result of either the low abv, chill-filtration or a combination of the two isn’t clear, but it does have a marked effect on the overall enjoyability.
Sadly, I’m left with a feeling of what might have been with this whisky. Currently retailing at £105, not badly priced in the current market but, for me anyway, there are plenty of other whiskies at that price point which offer more bang for the buck.
If you would like more information on this whisky, or the Bowmore distillery, follow the link to the company website.
Transparency: this sample was received free of charge for independent review. The author has no affiliation with the distillers and no goods or other incentives were exchanged, offered or requested.
