Bowmore 22 year old Aston Martin Master’s Selection No.3 - 51.0%
From the distillery
The third from the series created by Ron Welsh, Master Blender and Marek Reichman Executive Vice President and Chief Creative Officer. A single malt paying homage to the definitive and constant character of Bowmore.
Double matured in purposefully selected European Oak Oloroso Sherry seasoned casks along with the optimal mix of American Oak hogsheads, this single malt pays homage to the definitive and constant character of Bowmore. Strength and depth unite, just as sweetness and intensity combine to create a powerfully rich and complex symphony of flavours.
Tasting notes
Appearance: Burnished gold, forms a thin line which beads before slowly falling as thick, oily legs.
Nose: Lemon peel, barbecued pineapple drizzled in honey, salted caramel, nectarines, roasted chestnuts, a subtle hint of dunnage floor, old oak furniture, cooling mint.
Palate: Creamy, almost buttery mouthfeel, dark chocolate enrobed orange peel, Medjool dates, medium roast coffee, stewed orchard fruit, a waft of ashy peat smoke, dried apricots, tropical fruit compote and warming cinnamon. Addition of a few drops of water brings out a note of mocha sweetened with a cube of brown sugar and a touch more spice.
Finish: Sweet mocha coffee, dark chocolate coated raisins, old library books, damp dunnage floors, nutty oak astringency, together with ginger and cinnamon spices.
Overall: Perhaps unsurprisingly, there are distinct similarities to the previous Master's Selection No.2 , particularly the chocolate orange and coffee notes. This one has more of a feeling of age though, with the musty, dunnage notes making a real impact in the finish.
Complex, lovely balance and plenty of character, it's a very good whisky. The only issue for me is the price, currently retailing around £425 this is well out of reach of the average whisky enthusiast, and that is the real shame. Personally, I find Bowmore core releases a little lacking, if these limited editions were priced to be opened then a lot more people would be able to see the quality of whisky they can really produce.
If you would like more information on this whisky, or the Bowmore distillery, follow the link to the company website.
