BOWMORE
BOWMORE
REGION: Islay
STYLE: Single Malt Scotch Whisky
ABV: 45.8%
AGE: 17 Years
RRP: £89.95
Bowmore is Islay’s oldest distillery, founded in 1779, but but there’s no evidence of whisky being made until a licence was granted in 1816
Bowmore is one of the few Scottish malt distilleries that has retained its own floor maltings, which currently account for 35% to 40% of their annual requirements. The malt has a specification of 25 ppm with peat gathered from the nearby Laggan moss. When mixed with malt from the mainland results in a medium peated spirit. The finished spirit is at around 10 ppm.
This smouldering 17 Year Old has been matured in the finest hand-picked refill ex-Bourbon barrel.
We’re expecting just 343 bottles.
NOSE
An inviting and bright introduction where citrusy smoke, a classic hallmark of Islay, immediately fills the glass. This is primarily expressed as vibrant lemony peat, creating a zesty and aromatic profile that is both fresh and deeply evocative of its island origin.
TASTE
The initial intensity of the peat begins to soften, allowing for a more nuanced development of flavour. Richer, more indulgent notes of dark chocolate emerge, providing a sophisticated sweetness that is beautifully balanced by the subtle, fresh spice derived from the use of new oak. Concluding with an exceptionally long and maritime finish with pronounced salinity reminiscent of the sea breeze is evident, perfectly tempered by the lingering, succulent sweetness of ripe, juicy fruit that remains on the tongue.
The original label story featured a young lad running away from a lifeguard. A far-fetched story relating to the swimming pool that the distillery donated to the community in 1990.
We’ve brought the overworked lifeguard front and centre, and some of you might recognise him from the office as he’s been a powerhouse, and saved us all a few times!
