"A gentleman's dram, rather sophisticated, respectable and balanced and the best of the core range"
(Photo from Whiskybase)
The third expression in the core range of releases with an age statement is the 18 year old. This was released in 2007 as a replacement of the 17 year old. It is matured in both bourbon and sherry casks. Same bottle with a different age. Colour of the contents is between the 12 and 15 years old, indicating either an in-between sherry influence or somebody having fun with the colouring agent. Just wonder what the wood influence will be with this one.
Nose
Surprisingly fresh! Citrus, honey, vanilla. There is some smoke, but it comes from a large distance. Bourbon-y, a drop of orange juice, or is it grapefruit. Developing into lots of forest fruits. Great interplay between bourbon and sherry cask influences.
Taste
Sweet with notes of brown sugar. Then the sherry comes quickly into play, with lots of berries, followed by the peat. Smoky, but somehow respectable, fresh leather, old wood. Civilized, gentleman-like. Don’t be too fast with the water, it can hold some, but not too much.
Overall
Great dram. Got a bit of everything. Nothing is standing out, all is orderly and civilized. An Islay gentleman’s dram. The complex notes sleekly talk their way into your mouth, while you are wondering about what the particular character of the whisky exactly is. I suspect Neal Caffrey could have put it all together. And before you know, it has stolen your heart. A bit expensive, but that probably fits the style here. Do I suddenly fancy waring a hat, the next time I drink it?
- Review 2017-083
- Single malt
- Bowmore Distillery
- Bowmore (Morrison Bowmore Distillers)
- 18 years old
- Unknown bottling date
- Bourbon and sherry casks
- Caramel-coloured
- Chill-filtered
- 43
- Undisclosed number of bottles
- ±75-80
- Still available
- Whiskybase #199
What others say
A sample of this was purchased from !
Scores
• these are my personal views, so do not take them too seriously… nothing beats tasting these for yourself •
- Forest fruits
- Leather
- Smoked sherry