Bowmore 22 Year Old Aston Martin Masters' Selection No.2 51.5%
This is the second edition in the series created by Ron Welsh, Master Blender and Marek Reichman, Chief Creative Officer at Aston Martin. Aged for 22 years in American oak hogsheads and sherry butts before bottling at 51.5%.
Tasting notes
Appearance: Honey gold, forms a thin line which beads before slowly falling as thick, oily legs.
Nose: Barbecued pineapple, heather honey, sea salt, nectarines, a subtle hint of dunnage floor, light oak, cooling menthol and eucalyptus lozenges.
Palate: Buttery mouthfeel, chocolate enrobed orange peel, rich roast coffee, stewed orchard fruit, dry ashy peat smoke, soft nectarines, a touch of tropical fruit juice, cinnamon warmth. Water brings out a sugary mocha note and a little additional warmth.
Finish: The rich roast coffee has taken on a mocha note, together with praline-like soft nutty oak. Baking spices bring a mild warm prickle.
Overall: The main issue I had with both the core Bowmore 18 and the Designed by Aston Martin 18 was the thin mouthfeel, probably due to chill-filtration and not aided by the relatively low abv. So, the obvious question is how does a 22 year-old, non chill-filtered, 51.5% abv expression compare?
The answer is very much in ‘chalk and cheese’ territory, the mouthfeel is rich and buttery, and is followed by greater depth and complexity on the palate. The notes of chocolate orange and coffee are warm and inviting, and when coupled with the surprising (for a Bowmore) level of smokiness, provide a far superior experience.
This is a whisky which really gives an indication of what Bowmore has to offer but sadly too few will get to try it due to a retail price of £390. It does however bring me back to wondering how much better those 18 year old expressions could be.
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.
