Scotland, Isle of Islay: Single malt whisky through the producing distilleries: history,
making, production and tasting notes
Bowmore
Description of the whisky
The distillery
Bowmore Distillery
Bowmore,
Islay - Argyll
PA43 7JS
+44 1496 810 441
Owner: Morrisson Bowmore Distillers Ltd
Creation date 1779
Photos Comments
Bowmore
is one of the biggest and oldest distilleries from Islay.
It was founded in 1779 by David Simpson in the capital of the island, Bowmore.
The distillery stayed in the Simpson family until 1837 when it was sold to William
and James Mutter. James Mutter was also consul of the Ottoman Empire, Brazil
and Portugal in Glasgow.
Joseph Robert Holmes took the distillery over in 1892, and gave it the name of "Bowmore
Distillery Co". In 1925, the distillery become propriety of Sheriffs' Bowmore
Distillery Ltd.
In 1950, William Grigor & Sons layed his hand on the distillery who was bankrupt
in 1963, before being bought by Stanley P. Morrison. The name was changed in
Morrison Bowmore in 1987.
Since 1994, the Morrison Bowmore group belongs to the japanese Suntory group.
The village of Bowmore is situated in a creek called Loch Indaal.
The distillery is situated between the North and the South of the Island, and
the whisky can be considered as being just between the Northern style and the
Southern one. The taste of Bowmore is something between the intense southern
malts (Ardbeg, Lagavulin, Laphroaig and Port
Ellen) and the smoother ones from the North (Caol
Ila, Bruichladdich and Bunnahabhain).
Bowmore whiskies are characterized by a great complexity.
The river Laggan carries peaty waters. However, the peat from the region of
Bowmore is quite more sandy as peat from other regions..
A great deal of the Bowmore whisky is marketed as single malt, but it is also
part of a variety of blends like King Pride, Clan Roy, Black Bottle and Islay
Legend.
List of the bottles
Description of the distillery
| Bowmore | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Sample | |||
| O.B. | 12 years | 17 1/3 | |
| Enigma | 18 | ||
| Legend | 15 1/3 | ||
| Mariner | 17 2/3 | ||
| Surf | 15 2/3 | ||
| 16 years, vintage 1989 | 18 | ||
| 17 years | 18 1/3 | ||
| 18 years | 17 | ||
| Cask Strength | 17 | ||
| Darkest | 17 1/4 | ||
| Dawn | 18 1/2 | ||
| Dusk | 18 1/5 | ||
| 21 years | 17 1/2 | ||
| Bresser&Timmer / The Nectar | Daily Dram, Womb Ore 9 years | 19 | |
| Dewar Rattray | Cask Collection, 15 years | 19 1/3 | |
| Cask Collection, 17 years for Bresser & Timmer | 19 | ||
| Cask Collection, 9 years | 19 | ||
| Duncan Taylor | 1968, 34 years | 19 | |
| 1968, 37 years | 19 | ||
| Taste Still 1968 (from Duncan Taylor) | 18 | ||
| Ian McLeod | Chieftain's Choice 10 years | 18 | |
| Jean Boyer | Best Casks of Scotland, 2001-2007 | 18 | |
| Signatory | Cask Sample 1992 | 18 | |
| Taste Still | Taste Still 1982 | 18 | |
| The Ultimate Whisky Company | 2000 | 16 |
Bowmore Legend |
|
Age |
8 years |
Alcohol |
40° |
Bottling |
Official |
 |
|
Colour
is gold. The nose is peaty, smoky.
Body is light, but has an interesting texture.
Palate is firm, and confirms the nose. Smoky and peaty taste is predominant.
The general impression is smooth and the young fresh whisky is typical of the distillery.
The finish is sweet, with salted hints at the end
Body is light, but has an interesting texture.
Palate is firm, and confirms the nose. Smoky and peaty taste is predominant.
The general impression is smooth and the young fresh whisky is typical of the distillery.
The finish is sweet, with salted hints at the end
This
very popular version of Bowmore has no cause to be jealous of other
malts in the same price class. The first impression is that peat
and smoke are present. The taste is lovely, but as it happens often
with relatively young spirit, it is not yet full-bodied. The finish
is rather long, and keeps the taste in the mouth, not really the
pleasure. It has an excellent quality-price rating, but the whole
is slightly disappointing, particularly after having tasted other
products of this mythic distillery.
At the second tasting, the nose was peaty and smoky, with a sweet character, slightly sugared, but without other distinct aromas. In the palate, this whisky is very sweet, even if the smoke and peat are dominating. The violet taste, which is so typical of Bowmore is not present. The final is rather short, and does not let a great memory...
The nose detects smoke with some background peat, without any complexity. In the palate, the impression to drink peated water with a smoky taste. Some malt on the background, and despite the young age of this whisky, a slight woody touch, the whole giving an "watery" impression. This whisky is promising, but bottled at this age, rather deceiving. A short finish, where the only memory remains the presence of smoke.
At the second tasting, the nose was peaty and smoky, with a sweet character, slightly sugared, but without other distinct aromas. In the palate, this whisky is very sweet, even if the smoke and peat are dominating. The violet taste, which is so typical of Bowmore is not present. The final is rather short, and does not let a great memory...
The nose detects smoke with some background peat, without any complexity. In the palate, the impression to drink peated water with a smoky taste. Some malt on the background, and despite the young age of this whisky, a slight woody touch, the whole giving an "watery" impression. This whisky is promising, but bottled at this age, rather deceiving. A short finish, where the only memory remains the presence of smoke.
Bowmore Darkest |
|
Age |
14 years |
Alcohol |
43° |
Cask |
Sherry oloroso |
Bottling |
Official |
 |
|
Deep
amber with copper glints could characterize the colour.
The well-balanced nose is surprising by its hints of burned tyres.
The mouth is greatly influenced by sherry hints and orange skin with black chocolate.
The finish is dry and reveals some fruit hints, mixed with peat and sherry.
The well-balanced nose is surprising by its hints of burned tyres.
The mouth is greatly influenced by sherry hints and orange skin with black chocolate.
The finish is dry and reveals some fruit hints, mixed with peat and sherry.
First
nosing detects immediately the typical fragrances of a great Bowmore:
slight peat, violet and slight smoke hints. The tasting just confirms
the nosing. The sherry finish adds a taste contrasting with the
traditional peat, and contributes to the great success of this
exceptional single malt. A very good Bowmore. It's price however
might not be affordable for anybody.
The nose is rather peaty but marked by sherry with on the background some violet hints. In the palate, the violet dominates in a whole which shows sometimes a lack at power. There is some bitterness as well. The finish is rather long and is marked by sherry with peaty notes.
The nose is clear, with nice woody and spicy hints, and interesting sherry notes to crown the whole. Some citrus fruits and some smoke on the background. In the palate, a very complex impression, mixing earthy dryness to fine touches of violet, the latter dominating clearly after a while. The lingering finish keeps a memory of a violet growing in a peat bog...
A very nice nose with an over-obvious presence of sherry. All the smoothness of a well round sherry and a touch of gentian bitterness mix together to give a particular colour to this nose which finally detects some cut grass and liquorice hints, Despite its complexity, this nose is rather flat. In the palate, violet hints become immediately obvious. From extremely discrete at the nose, they become soon dominant in the mouth. A touch of smoke and a light woody impression appear after a few seconds. The finish is rather long and a discrete bitterness hides hardly the obsessing memory of violet.
The nose is rather peaty but marked by sherry with on the background some violet hints. In the palate, the violet dominates in a whole which shows sometimes a lack at power. There is some bitterness as well. The finish is rather long and is marked by sherry with peaty notes.
The nose is clear, with nice woody and spicy hints, and interesting sherry notes to crown the whole. Some citrus fruits and some smoke on the background. In the palate, a very complex impression, mixing earthy dryness to fine touches of violet, the latter dominating clearly after a while. The lingering finish keeps a memory of a violet growing in a peat bog...
A very nice nose with an over-obvious presence of sherry. All the smoothness of a well round sherry and a touch of gentian bitterness mix together to give a particular colour to this nose which finally detects some cut grass and liquorice hints, Despite its complexity, this nose is rather flat. In the palate, violet hints become immediately obvious. From extremely discrete at the nose, they become soon dominant in the mouth. A touch of smoke and a light woody impression appear after a few seconds. The finish is rather long and a discrete bitterness hides hardly the obsessing memory of violet.
Bowmore
|
|
Age |
15 years |
Alcohol |
56° |
Particularity |
Cask Strength |
Bottling |
Official |
|
|
The
colour is full gold, and the nose rich and full denotes some peaty,
animal and iodised hints.
The sweet and sour palate impression is liquoriced too.
The bitter finish is relatively short, and a little disappointing.
The sweet and sour palate impression is liquoriced too.
The bitter finish is relatively short, and a little disappointing.
Another
typical Bowmore. The long finish of this cask strength is very
pleasant. The art of Bowmore is to give a pleasant taste, something
like"sugar-smoky" to a very strong whisky, which should
burn the tongue, but which flatters it.
The second revealed the contrast between the smoothness and the (cask)strength of this nice whisky from the very first nosing. In the palate, the wonderful little liquorice taste is emphasised by the alcohol degree, and lets a great memory of iodine and perfumed peat. An interesting finish.
The third nosing revealed a mix of sweat and violet perfume, with some marine hints, seaweed and sea spray on the background. The mouth is clearly dominated by pronounced hints of violet ans some malty notes. A nice finish, rather long, but still dominated by those typical notes of a certain era of Bowmore...
The second revealed the contrast between the smoothness and the (cask)strength of this nice whisky from the very first nosing. In the palate, the wonderful little liquorice taste is emphasised by the alcohol degree, and lets a great memory of iodine and perfumed peat. An interesting finish.
The third nosing revealed a mix of sweat and violet perfume, with some marine hints, seaweed and sea spray on the background. The mouth is clearly dominated by pronounced hints of violet ans some malty notes. A nice finish, rather long, but still dominated by those typical notes of a certain era of Bowmore...
Comment by J.L. Zamora
Nose: light peaty and seewt (sehrry)
Mouth: sweet at the start, touch of peaty, warming at the mouth whit
some time
Bowmore Mariner |
|
Age |
15 years |
Alcohol |
43° |
Bottling |
Official |
|
|
Between
gold and amber.
A smell of fresh leather, fern and sea air.
A smooth palate, and a salted taste mixed with sweet cherries.
A smell of fresh leather, fern and sea air.
A smooth palate, and a salted taste mixed with sweet cherries.
This
marvelous version of Bowmore, aged 15 is absolutely delicious.
All the specific hints of Bowmore are immediately recognized: peat,
smoke and this little violet fragrance. Probably one of the best
bottlings of the distillery, and quite nice priced. A must in every
collection.
The nose evokes the smells of undergrowth by the sea. Vegetal hits mixed with iodine sea air. The palate is dominated by the salt, and some violet hints appear on the background. The taste is first rather plain, but gets quickly more complex. The finish is long and very pleasant.
The nose is marked by sea hints with some meat touches (leather) and a smokey background; In the palate, the typical violet taste of Bowmore dominates other salty and smokey flavours . A lingering and pleasant, but dry finish.
The nose evokes the smells of undergrowth by the sea. Vegetal hits mixed with iodine sea air. The palate is dominated by the salt, and some violet hints appear on the background. The taste is first rather plain, but gets quickly more complex. The finish is long and very pleasant.
The nose is marked by sea hints with some meat touches (leather) and a smokey background; In the palate, the typical violet taste of Bowmore dominates other salty and smokey flavours . A lingering and pleasant, but dry finish.
Bowmore
|
|
Age |
12 years |
Alcohol |
40° |
Bottling |
Official |
|
|
The
colour is amber.
The nose feels some citrus, pear and honey hints.
The taste is smoky and peaty, and the long finish is particularly pleasant.
The nose feels some citrus, pear and honey hints.
The taste is smoky and peaty, and the long finish is particularly pleasant.
This
Bowmore with its smoky
ant peaty hints gives very pleasant sensations.
Unlike older versions, the violet hint is not present. This malt
is more classical, but the salted sea stays present. An excellent
long finish extends the pleasure for a while. It's price is also
very nice. An essential bottle.
The second tasting's conclusion was that the enthusiastic quotation of the first one was slightly exaggerated. Smoke and peat are still present, but more discrete than the first time, and the finish seemed shorter.
A sweet nose, clearly fruity (pear) very pleasant and complex, announces a very good whisky. In the palate, some oily feeling with peaty and smoley hints seem to dominate the fruits announced by the nose. A very nice finish, lingering and marked by a pleasant mix of peat and ripe fruits. A quite nice version from that distillery.
The second tasting's conclusion was that the enthusiastic quotation of the first one was slightly exaggerated. Smoke and peat are still present, but more discrete than the first time, and the finish seemed shorter.
A sweet nose, clearly fruity (pear) very pleasant and complex, announces a very good whisky. In the palate, some oily feeling with peaty and smoley hints seem to dominate the fruits announced by the nose. A very nice finish, lingering and marked by a pleasant mix of peat and ripe fruits. A quite nice version from that distillery.
Comment by Henrik Johansson
Date of tasting: 27/9 2007
Apperance: Deep copper Nose: Sweet with some prickle. Medicinal notes, diesel oil,
scorched plastic, citric fruits, lavendar and some smoke. Diluted dram lends incense fumes, raisins, solvent elements
and some peat. Quite sharp.
Body: Light to medium, a little oily.
Palate: Sweet start. Pleasant palate with decent
finish but not very complex. Nice and uncomplicated Islay notes with balanced smoked flavours, dryness-sweetness
and some fruits.
Comments: Opens up more with some resting in the glass.
Bowmore Surf |
|
Age |
12 years |
Alcohol |
40° |
Bottling |
Official |
|
|
Colour:
gold
Nose: peaty and smoked
The body is light, but with an interesting texture
The palate is firm and confirms the nose. The smoked and peaty taste is predominant. The whole is smooth and this young whisky is typical of the distillery.
In fact, the Bowmore surf is just a remake of the "Legend".
Nose: peaty and smoked
The body is light, but with an interesting texture
The palate is firm and confirms the nose. The smoked and peaty taste is predominant. The whole is smooth and this young whisky is typical of the distillery.
In fact, the Bowmore surf is just a remake of the "Legend".
This "bottom
of the range" whisky is really surprising, and it was difficult
for me to give it a good appreciation. The nose recognizes a typical
Islay, rather smooth, without dominant fragrances. It could have
been an Caol Ila. The peaty and smoked taste is pleasant, but
the long finish is disappointing. The bitter impression contrasts
with
the smooth and fine taste and smell.... This malt contributes probably
to the fact that many whisky lovers (who do not know other malts
of this distillery) think Bowmore is not one of the greatest distilleries.
My opinion is that this bottle does not really reflect the know-how
of Morrison Bowmore. On the other hand, it's price makes it a single
malt with a good price-quality rate.
The same difficulty to determine the ranking of this bottle, just like at the first tasting was present at the second one. Peat and smoke are present, at nosing and tasting. A certain lack at complexity, particularly in the palate, and a finish, more salty than really pleasant. However, the first quotation seems to low, even if this is not at very special bottle, and the pleasure it gives deserves more than the first quotation.
A nose somewhere between smoked malt and slightly peppery peat. A lack of character in the palate. Hints of oily peat and a light smoke. A rather smooth finish, of average length. Average, just like the whisky itself.
The same difficulty to determine the ranking of this bottle, just like at the first tasting was present at the second one. Peat and smoke are present, at nosing and tasting. A certain lack at complexity, particularly in the palate, and a finish, more salty than really pleasant. However, the first quotation seems to low, even if this is not at very special bottle, and the pleasure it gives deserves more than the first quotation.
A nose somewhere between smoked malt and slightly peppery peat. A lack of character in the palate. Hints of oily peat and a light smoke. A rather smooth finish, of average length. Average, just like the whisky itself.
Bowmore Dusk |
|
Age |
14 years |
Alcohol |
50° |
Cask |
Claret |
Bottling |
Official |
|
|
Bowmore
Dusk has been matured in claret casks.
Beautiful colour, copper with rose glints. Surprising but very full nose with a surprising mix of raced fragrances (animal, smoke and sea) and charming ones (violet, raspberry and malted barley).
The smooth palate confirms the first impression.
The finish is sweet and has fruit hints (raspberry, cherry, black current) and flowers (violet, rose and lavender).
Beautiful colour, copper with rose glints. Surprising but very full nose with a surprising mix of raced fragrances (animal, smoke and sea) and charming ones (violet, raspberry and malted barley).
The smooth palate confirms the first impression.
The finish is sweet and has fruit hints (raspberry, cherry, black current) and flowers (violet, rose and lavender).
This
claret finish version of Bowmore is really marvelous. Pure pleasure.
Like in other versions of this distillery, the violet taste, mixed
with some well balanced peat hints are a great pleasure source.
The exceptional finish makes that the pleasure stays very long...
The pleasure from the first tasting remains unchanged for the second one. The typical balanced smell lets indicates immediately a Bowmore, but at the very first contact in the mouth, with this violet and peat touches, it is clear that it is this wonderful Bowmore. Really one of the best malts I ever tasted.
The very pleasant nose is extraordinary complex, mixing violet smells with raspberries, iodine and smoke. The taste develops clearly from a malted attack to fruity hints, first citrus fruits, then red fruits (raspberries). A wonderful finish, recalling the violet touches the nose detected.
A very nice nose, with a sweet mix of fruits, flowers and salt and a light veil of smoke on the background. The palate is dominated by a violet perfume with some malted hints. Not really complex, but very pleasant and very original, however. A nice finish just continuing on the mouth impressions, fruity and floral.
The nose presents very nice peaty hints. A beautiful and bewitching oily peat. Really fine. A kind of freshness seems to come through but the peat remains clearly dominating. A hint of plum jam and a touch of chocolate. The mouth is amazing. A very pronounced taste of violet sweet and no peat at all anymore. It seems to have completely disappeared behind a kind of floral freshness without any link to the nose. This is clearly a Bowmore from the era before 2000. The finish is completely dominated by this typical taste some really like... It is not my case anymore.
The pleasure from the first tasting remains unchanged for the second one. The typical balanced smell lets indicates immediately a Bowmore, but at the very first contact in the mouth, with this violet and peat touches, it is clear that it is this wonderful Bowmore. Really one of the best malts I ever tasted.
The very pleasant nose is extraordinary complex, mixing violet smells with raspberries, iodine and smoke. The taste develops clearly from a malted attack to fruity hints, first citrus fruits, then red fruits (raspberries). A wonderful finish, recalling the violet touches the nose detected.
A very nice nose, with a sweet mix of fruits, flowers and salt and a light veil of smoke on the background. The palate is dominated by a violet perfume with some malted hints. Not really complex, but very pleasant and very original, however. A nice finish just continuing on the mouth impressions, fruity and floral.
The nose presents very nice peaty hints. A beautiful and bewitching oily peat. Really fine. A kind of freshness seems to come through but the peat remains clearly dominating. A hint of plum jam and a touch of chocolate. The mouth is amazing. A very pronounced taste of violet sweet and no peat at all anymore. It seems to have completely disappeared behind a kind of floral freshness without any link to the nose. This is clearly a Bowmore from the era before 2000. The finish is completely dominated by this typical taste some really like... It is not my case anymore.
Bowmore Dawn |
|
Age |
No age statement |
Alcohol |
51,5° |
Cask |
Porto |
Bottling |
Official |
|
|
Colour:
amber with rose glints.
The nose, rather complex, detects red fruits (raspberry, red currant)
and malted barley, as well as spices (clove and benzoin).
The mouth, well balanced, seems to be winy with violet and pepper hints, strangely
mixed with the Bowmore peat, animal and floral.
The liquorice finish has an almost tannic texture.
This
real delicacy begins by delighting the nose, which annouces a very
great pleasure in the mouth. The violet sweet back in my childhood
were not different. The taste is so nice, that one forget nearly
the high acoholol percentage. It is not really a cask strength,
but is not so far away from it. A great pleasure, a great moment,
and a very great whisky. Once more, Bowmore has given us a example
of a marvelllous succes.
The second tasting just completely confirmed the first one
A very nice nose, fruity (beautiful hints of fruits of the forest mixed with some violet perfume), malty and slightly spiced. In the mouth, a nice balance between fruit, violet and spices, on a discrete smoky background. An excellent finish, lingering and warming.
The first nose is clearly marked by sherry and wood. Very expressive. Nice spicy notes, pepper and cardamom complete the first impressions and hide smoky hints on the background. Hints of sea air, very discrete seaweed smells to finish the overview. The first impression in the palate is very fruity, with clear lavender or violet hints. The whole is extraordinary smooth and rather complex. The finish is lingering and warm and the floral hints of the mouth remain quite active. A malty smoothness tempers the violet side of the finish.
The second tasting just completely confirmed the first one
A very nice nose, fruity (beautiful hints of fruits of the forest mixed with some violet perfume), malty and slightly spiced. In the mouth, a nice balance between fruit, violet and spices, on a discrete smoky background. An excellent finish, lingering and warming.
The first nose is clearly marked by sherry and wood. Very expressive. Nice spicy notes, pepper and cardamom complete the first impressions and hide smoky hints on the background. Hints of sea air, very discrete seaweed smells to finish the overview. The first impression in the palate is very fruity, with clear lavender or violet hints. The whole is extraordinary smooth and rather complex. The finish is lingering and warm and the floral hints of the mouth remain quite active. A malty smoothness tempers the violet side of the finish.
Bowmore
|
|
Age |
17 years |
Alcohol |
43° |
Bottler |
Official |
|
|
The
nose has a smooth and slightly medicinal character and reveals
smoky malted barley notes. The palate is round and rather balanced
between malty, peaty and vegetable hints. The delicate finish is
vegetal and smoky. A very fine Bowmore.
A
very complex and pleasant nose, whith sea hints, but however close
to barley. In the palate, the malted barley is very present, with
the impression to have a haddock in the mouth... A strong sea feeling.
Delicious... A lingering and warm finish, with interesting smoke
hints. A very great bottle, without this violet hint, so characteristic
of some other Bowmore.
The first nosing gives some strange impression of wax mixed with green appels on a peaty background and discrete seaweed hints. In the palate, first an impression of acidity and the taste seems to be behind the expectations of the nose. Behind this acidity, strong hints of malted barley on the seaside. A rather dry and bitter finish, with some woody hints.
Quite a "countryside" nose, with farm smells of wet hay, spices, well marked pepper, a hint of smoke and lots of sea air. The mouth is first quite bitter, with a touch of acidity, citrus fruit, but seems to be somewhat weak, even watery. However it is quite complex, and after a while, this whisky reveals its character fully. Something like small fireworks with a palette of tastes from walnut to orange, through salty and chocolate aromas. Very impressive finish, with citrus aromas mixed with the memories of the palate, and some light floral notes at the end.
The first nosing gives some strange impression of wax mixed with green appels on a peaty background and discrete seaweed hints. In the palate, first an impression of acidity and the taste seems to be behind the expectations of the nose. Behind this acidity, strong hints of malted barley on the seaside. A rather dry and bitter finish, with some woody hints.
Quite a "countryside" nose, with farm smells of wet hay, spices, well marked pepper, a hint of smoke and lots of sea air. The mouth is first quite bitter, with a touch of acidity, citrus fruit, but seems to be somewhat weak, even watery. However it is quite complex, and after a while, this whisky reveals its character fully. Something like small fireworks with a palette of tastes from walnut to orange, through salty and chocolate aromas. Very impressive finish, with citrus aromas mixed with the memories of the palate, and some light floral notes at the end.
Bowmore
|
|
Age |
21 years |
Alcohol |
43° |
Bottler |
Official |
|
|
The
colour is amber, with some redish glints. The wonderful nose is
sherryish, smoky, with iodine hints and a touch of heather. Teh
palate is oily and well balanced and develops on floral notes.
The finish is lingering and iodized.
(La Maison du Whisky)
(La Maison du Whisky)
The
nose is first quite discrete and after a wile begins to devolop
it fineness and the beautiful balance between peat and smoke,
and still later, nice sherry notes. The palate is clearly less
nice as the nose was, giving a kind of "watery" impression, slightly
spiced. The finish, by opposition, is remarkably long and nicel
iodinized.
The nose is gently fruity. Despite a certain discretion, nice slightly woody notes, mix of notes and plum jam.
The mouth is as discrete as the nose was. Light variations between nearly ripe apple and walnut constitute a nice whole, without however giving a very great pleasure.
The finish is rather short, and a palette of hints from unripe walnut (more bitter than in the mouth) and malt are the main characteristics.
The nose is gently fruity. Despite a certain discretion, nice slightly woody notes, mix of notes and plum jam.
The mouth is as discrete as the nose was. Light variations between nearly ripe apple and walnut constitute a nice whole, without however giving a very great pleasure.
The finish is rather short, and a palette of hints from unripe walnut (more bitter than in the mouth) and malt are the main characteristics.
Bowmore
|
|
Age |
12 years |
Alcohol |
40° |
Bottler |
Official |
Cask |
Sherry |
|
|
Colour:
gold. Nose: a fresh mix of sea air and caramel at first nosing,
with quite some salted butter, herbal tea and rubber (new tyre).
Notes of very ripe oranges, Cointreau. Perhaps a little sulphury
but nothing too shocking. More and more ‘burnt’ notes
(burnt wood, burnt bread). Notes of yoghurt. Still not a winner
but a good three steps above the regular 12yo, I think – even
if there’s still this lavender in the background. Notes of
old books, of iron… Mouth: a very punchy attack at 40%,
but a rather bitter one, alas. Quite some burnt caramel, liquorice,
candy sugar. Notes of lavender crème (the power of mind
again?) Some peat but not too much. Notes of orange marmalade… The
finish is long and quite enjoyable, I must say (notes of gentian
eau de vie)
(Serge
Valentin, whiskyfun.com)
The
nose reveals nice marine but however sugared notes, mixing some
toffee hints with nice smoly ones. In the palate, the dry peat
is clearly present, contrasting with delicious sweet citrus fruit
ones. Sweet, as this hints are not too acid. A lovely finish,
with clear memories of citrus and some kind of bitterness on
the background.
.
.Comment by Henrik Johansson
Date of tasting: 27/9 2007
Apperance: Mahogany brown or dark copper
Nose: Pleasantly rounded and balanced. Warm
and sherried with just a touch of peat smoke. Complex, winey and floral notes, woody and fresh. Perfume, mown hay
and some tar. Fruit notes become dryer in reduced dram while nutmeg and vanilla notes are revealed. Overall very
rich. Body: Light to medium
Palate: Round and full. Fruity notes. Middle is sort of sulphury and quite rich.
Finish
reveals some peat. Well balanced, sherried sweetness.
Bowmore
|
|
Age |
16 years |
Alcohol |
51,8° |
Bottler |
Official |
Particularities |
Un chill filtered Natural Cask Strength Straight form the cask |
|
|
Colour: light straw
Nose: Candied fruits, toffee and marzipan, bound together with the distinctive Bowmore smokiness
Palate: Delicate hints of soft fruit and light peat.
Finish: light, elegant and smooth
Nose: Candied fruits, toffee and marzipan, bound together with the distinctive Bowmore smokiness
Palate: Delicate hints of soft fruit and light peat.
Finish: light, elegant and smooth
A typical
"islay nose", with an elegant smoke and delicious complex hints from walnut to barley, through nougat
and other sweets. In the palate, first impression is smoke, which develops quickly on fruit and even citrus
fruits, before coming back on malt, the whole being partially hidden behing a veil of smoke. A very nice
finish, powerful and smooth at the time, contrasting with the fireworks of the mout. No trace of violet,
like in many other products of this distillery. It is probably the best Bowmore I ever tasted.
A clear nose presenting first a kind of medicinal profile before developing on discrete notes of smoke and peat. The nose develops slowly on quite complex fruity hints (exotic fruit, apricot). Complex but subtly discrete.
The first impression in the palate is a nice complexity, from the cereal to clear violet notes (as we get used from Bowmore...) before coming back to more classical fruity notes. Obviously, the Bowmore whiskies produced in the 80's or 90's will keep this violet reputation for a long time. Just a pity this strange taste partially destroying the charm of this whisky by it annoying character. I must confess I liked this special taste quite a lot a few years ago even if it really bores me now.
The finish is quite long and here too, this excessive violet taste just spoils the pleasure.
Rereading the last tasting note (written about 2 years ago) I'm really surprise I insist on the absence of this violet marker in this whisky because this time it was really obvious. Could this be due to a kind of "time bomb"? Because if I really insisted on the absence of this flavour, it really means it did not appear the first time, as I already was aware of this characteristic of Bowmore.
A clear nose presenting first a kind of medicinal profile before developing on discrete notes of smoke and peat. The nose develops slowly on quite complex fruity hints (exotic fruit, apricot). Complex but subtly discrete.
The first impression in the palate is a nice complexity, from the cereal to clear violet notes (as we get used from Bowmore...) before coming back to more classical fruity notes. Obviously, the Bowmore whiskies produced in the 80's or 90's will keep this violet reputation for a long time. Just a pity this strange taste partially destroying the charm of this whisky by it annoying character. I must confess I liked this special taste quite a lot a few years ago even if it really bores me now.
The finish is quite long and here too, this excessive violet taste just spoils the pleasure.
Rereading the last tasting note (written about 2 years ago) I'm really surprise I insist on the absence of this violet marker in this whisky because this time it was really obvious. Could this be due to a kind of "time bomb"? Because if I really insisted on the absence of this flavour, it really means it did not appear the first time, as I already was aware of this characteristic of Bowmore.
It is very curious, but Bowmore is not a distillery where one
can expect good product bottled by independant bottlers from. Is
this due to the large range of excellent official bottlings or
to the fame of the distillery?... Anyway I hesitated since a long
time to buy this bottle. I was completely wrong. This bottle is
wonderful from the very first nosing. A complex smoky sweetness
fills up the nose. The impression in the palate is very complex
as well, from some peat hints to more acid ones, citrus fruit,
going on a long and pleasant finish, with some flower and wood
fruit hints.....
First, a dominant smoke smell, but amazingly mixed to hints of ripe fruits, like pears or peaches. In the palate, this whisky is very complex, with all the characteristics of a Boxmore: smoke, peat, berries, iodine. A very interesting finish, rather long, dominated by sweet touches of fruits. After all that smoke, this finish is amazing.
The nose is clearly marked by smoke and by the smoothness og ripe fruits, some liquorice hints too. In the palate, first impression is the fruity sweetness of melon or peach, with some walnut hints on a marine background, and finally it developes on characteristic smokey notes. A pleasant finish, just like the mouth, first on fruit and then on smoke.
First, a dominant smoke smell, but amazingly mixed to hints of ripe fruits, like pears or peaches. In the palate, this whisky is very complex, with all the characteristics of a Boxmore: smoke, peat, berries, iodine. A very interesting finish, rather long, dominated by sweet touches of fruits. After all that smoke, this finish is amazing.
The nose is clearly marked by smoke and by the smoothness og ripe fruits, some liquorice hints too. In the palate, first impression is the fruity sweetness of melon or peach, with some walnut hints on a marine background, and finally it developes on characteristic smokey notes. A pleasant finish, just like the mouth, first on fruit and then on smoke.
Bowmore
|
|
Age |
11 years |
Alcohol |
56° |
Bottler |
Signatory |
|
|
Color:
gold yellox with coppery glints.
The nose is powerful and reveals
exotic fruits (passion fruit, coconut) on a background of vanilla
hints, smoke and peat.
The palate is smooth and reveals peaty smoke, tar and exotic fruits
(passion fruit, mangon, goyave). It develops on grassy and floral
(violet, lavender)
The finish is lingering and reveals a refined sensation of iodine. It is marked
by the sweet bitterness of malted barley and by citrus fruit (grapefruit).
It continues on vegetal notes (heather, gentian root).
(la
Maison du Whisky)
A
very remarkable nose, powerful, floral with slight peat hints
on the background. Nice fruity notes too.In the palate, this
whisky reveals really its power, at the time slightly acid (citrus
fruit) and clearly smoky. A very nice finish, lingering and warm,
recalling widely the acidity of citrus fruit with some peaty
hints.
Bowmore
|
|
Age |
15 years |
Alcohol |
56,5° |
Bottler |
Dewar Rattray |
Cask |
Sherry |
|
|
A very nice nose marked by
sherry, some discrete hay noes, iodine, a touch of peat an smoke on the background. The oily texture in the mouth
is very nice too, and the taste is pleasant, delicioulsy complex, with alternatively fruity tastes where some raspberry
and wild strawberry seem to be hidden and delicate sherry notes, chocolate, the whole ending in a very great happiness, even if alcohol seems sometimes to be quite present as well. A perfectly balanced whisky. The finis is lingering, nicely marked by sherry and chocolate memories. No trace at all of this violette flavour which has been characteristic of the production of the group for years.
Really an exceptional bottle.
A very nice nose marked by sherry and peat smoke. Notes of chocolate and dry fruits. In the palate, a pleasant impression of a great complexity, where smoke share drinker's attention with plum tastes, a hint of liquorice and a very fine woody hint developing on coffee and moka notes. Salt is rather present as well and enhances the complexity of this very nice whisky. A wonderful lingering finish, exactly on the same tones than in the mouth, with its slightly woody notes and its chocolate hints.
The nose is clearly influenced by sherry. Very nice complexity as behind the sherry nice but discrete hints of peat and smoke are clearly present, merged to ripe fruits and acid citrus fruits. The different components seem to appear in a random order, and in a kind of unordered cycle. Very pleasant impression.
In the mouth, an immediate contrast between the sweet notes and the bitter ones, an impression of incense, wood, malt, great happiness. After this taste explosion, a lasting impression of spices, pepper remains.
The finish just prolongs the mouth. Pepper seems to be common theme before developing on slightly bitter notes, between walnut and wood. An unique experience, an extraordinary whisky.
Really an exceptional bottle.
A very nice nose marked by sherry and peat smoke. Notes of chocolate and dry fruits. In the palate, a pleasant impression of a great complexity, where smoke share drinker's attention with plum tastes, a hint of liquorice and a very fine woody hint developing on coffee and moka notes. Salt is rather present as well and enhances the complexity of this very nice whisky. A wonderful lingering finish, exactly on the same tones than in the mouth, with its slightly woody notes and its chocolate hints.
The nose is clearly influenced by sherry. Very nice complexity as behind the sherry nice but discrete hints of peat and smoke are clearly present, merged to ripe fruits and acid citrus fruits. The different components seem to appear in a random order, and in a kind of unordered cycle. Very pleasant impression.
In the mouth, an immediate contrast between the sweet notes and the bitter ones, an impression of incense, wood, malt, great happiness. After this taste explosion, a lasting impression of spices, pepper remains.
The finish just prolongs the mouth. Pepper seems to be common theme before developing on slightly bitter notes, between walnut and wood. An unique experience, an extraordinary whisky.
Bowmore
|
|
Age |
17 years |
Alcohol |
54.1° |
Bottler |
Dewar Rattray |
Cask |
Bourbon |
|
|
A wonderfully fresh nose,
with notes of hay and mint, a touch of peat and of smoke, the whole being perfectly balanced and relatively complex.
In the palate an amazing balance with menthol notes, a nice bitterness with refined woody touches and citrus notes
(orange).
Amazing palate. Smoothness despite the degree of alcohol, balance despite the complexity, contrast between the citrus acid and the woody bitterness. Despite all those contrasts, the whole is perfectly balanced. Very light presence of peat and a touch of smoke.
The finish prolongs perfectly the mouth. Smoothness in the contrast, contrast in the smoothness. Excellent bottle.
Nothing to do with what the Bowmore distillery provided us with for the past 20 years..
Amazing palate. Smoothness despite the degree of alcohol, balance despite the complexity, contrast between the citrus acid and the woody bitterness. Despite all those contrasts, the whole is perfectly balanced. Very light presence of peat and a touch of smoke.
The finish prolongs perfectly the mouth. Smoothness in the contrast, contrast in the smoothness. Excellent bottle.
Nothing to do with what the Bowmore distillery provided us with for the past 20 years..
Bowmore
|
|
Age |
9 years |
Alcohol |
62.3° |
Bottler |
Dewar Rattray |
Fût |
Sherry |
|
|
The first nose is very close to the sea with its seaweed, sea spray, salt and high seas hints. Nice peat notes and some smoke even enhance the pleasure of this nose.
The first mouth is warm, complex with a nice development on chocolate then coffee notes and the exceptional percentage of alcohol does never hinder the tasting.
The finish is pleasantly long with clear nutty notes and the memory of a great happiness. Just another of those excellent Bowmores from after the times of the pervasive violet taste ...
Just a drop of water and the pleasure enhances again. This just confirms that a whisky does not necessarily have to be old to be excellent.
The first mouth is warm, complex with a nice development on chocolate then coffee notes and the exceptional percentage of alcohol does never hinder the tasting.
The finish is pleasantly long with clear nutty notes and the memory of a great happiness. Just another of those excellent Bowmores from after the times of the pervasive violet taste ...
Just a drop of water and the pleasure enhances again. This just confirms that a whisky does not necessarily have to be old to be excellent.
The nose is finely peated,
a slight smell of mouldy wood, but very nice fruity notes too (plum), dry fruits which make this interesting nose
even more complex. The first mouth is slightly bitter, hazelnut, cashew nut, rapidly followed by slightly acid
hints, keeping the impression of mouldy wood and fine peat which already characterized the nose. The finish is
very long, exactly on the same palette than the nose and mouth were.
Clearly a sea influence at the first nosing, with smoke notes. Some peat on the beach on a windy day, as the whole remains relatively discrete. No real strong whiffs but a nicely balanced discretion announcing a beautiful dram.
In the palate, very nice and contrasted notes of chocolate (mocha) and a slight spicy impression. The nose did no lie, this is a very nice balanced and specially pleasant whisky.
The finish develops on smoke before coming clearly back on this chocolate flavour so present in the mouth.
An amazing whisky for its age. An excellent surprise and a great success.
In the palate, very nice and contrasted notes of chocolate (mocha) and a slight spicy impression. The nose did no lie, this is a very nice balanced and specially pleasant whisky.
The finish develops on smoke before coming clearly back on this chocolate flavour so present in the mouth.
An amazing whisky for its age. An excellent surprise and a great success.
Bowmore
|
|
Age |
7 years |
Alcohol |
46° |
Bottler |
Ultimate whisky company (Van Wees) |
Cask |
Bourbon |
|
|
Quite a discrete and fresh nose where smoke and peat are largely present. Some animal hints and notes of wet hay.
In the very first mouth, nothing... but after a while a kind of burning sensation in the throat (and curiously not on the tongue). It is the moment smoke and peat hints decided to appear. No complexity and no refinement, the youth of this whisky is obvious. On the other hand, no trace of violet, like Bowmore used us to find in their whiskies at the end of last century.
Finish is marked by peat hints too. It is rather long and not unpleasant.
Even if it is not extraordinary, this little whisky is pleasant (specially if one considers its price). I drunk worse things for more money.
In the very first mouth, nothing... but after a while a kind of burning sensation in the throat (and curiously not on the tongue). It is the moment smoke and peat hints decided to appear. No complexity and no refinement, the youth of this whisky is obvious. On the other hand, no trace of violet, like Bowmore used us to find in their whiskies at the end of last century.
Finish is marked by peat hints too. It is rather long and not unpleasant.
Even if it is not extraordinary, this little whisky is pleasant (specially if one considers its price). I drunk worse things for more money.
The nose is clearly marked by farmy hints and a nice peat behind a light veil of smoke. Peat, wet hay, cold ash are smells which seem to characterise this whisky.
In the palate, this whisky behaves very good. Peat and smoke. Very nice impression.
The same behaviour remains all along the finish, pure and without any compromise. It is exceptionally warm and lingering.
For a young Bowmore, this is a perfect example of the revival of the quality at this distillery. No trace of violet anymore. Despite its young age, this is another excellent whisky.
In the palate, this whisky behaves very good. Peat and smoke. Very nice impression.
The same behaviour remains all along the finish, pure and without any compromise. It is exceptionally warm and lingering.
For a young Bowmore, this is a perfect example of the revival of the quality at this distillery. No trace of violet anymore. Despite its young age, this is another excellent whisky.
Bowmore
|
|
Age |
37 years |
Alcohol |
41,5° |
Bottler |
Duncan Taylor (for Taste Still) |
|
|
A really amazing nose, full
of flowers on a peaty background and some smoky hints. Unusual freshness. Some cut grass behind the flowers. A perfect balance between all this nose components. In the mouth, first a great dryness, some alcohol (despite the relatively low percentage of alcohol), followed by a bitterness developing to more sweetness as the time runs away. Some wood, but we are far from the exuberance of ths nose. A nice finish, rather long, bitter. The time seems to have been more generous for the nose than for the mouth is this case.
A very nice nose. Very complex, between fresh and dry fruit, between apple and hazelnut. An nice presence. Discrete smoke on the background. Very clean. In the mouth, the violet taste, so typical of Bowmore's production for years is present in this whisky, together with some dryness. The finish is rather bitter, on violet too. Lingering, but dry, and however pretty pleasant.
The nose is perfectly balanced between slightly smoky notes and smells of heather. On the background, some impression like a fragrant flower field in a the middle of a pat bog. Some exotic fruits too, tangerine peel. Smoke
In the palate, the taste is very pleasant, rather fruity with a marvelous balance between exotic fruits and very fine wood. The whole is extremely fine. Just lace. A very light bitterness associated to a very light acidity, the whole with a consistent body.
The finis is rather short, with touches of wood beside the memory of exotic fruit.
In the palate, the taste is very pleasant, rather fruity with a marvelous balance between exotic fruits and very fine wood. The whole is extremely fine. Just lace. A very light bitterness associated to a very light acidity, the whole with a consistent body.
The finis is rather short, with touches of wood beside the memory of exotic fruit.
The nose is pleasantly perfumed.
Mix of flowers and smoke on a discrete peaty background. In the mouth, unfortunately this taste which is so typical
of a long period of the Bowmore production, this violet perfume is overwhelming... The finish is divided between
some nice nutty notes and the memory of this violet fragrances which characterized this distillery for too many
years.
Isle of Islay
The Isle of Islay on the West coast, is by far the most appreciated producing area amongst the single malt lovers. Even if its surface is rather small, there are no less than 8 active distilleries, including a new one.
Click on the map for a list of the distilleries of the area, on the title for further information about the Isle of Islay area, and if you want to make an "alphabetical journey" through the area, please click on one of the pagode roofs, according to the direction you want to follow
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