Originally released for the Travel Retail market, this 10 year old Bowmore single malt is a marriage of Spanish oak Sherry casks and hogsheads, resulting in a fine balance between classic coastal Islay smoke and Sherried sweetness.
Salted pretzels, fruitcake and a pinch of cinnamon.
Flamed orange peel, sea salt, Cadbury Bournville.
Spiced rum warmth, with layers of toasted malt.
I've drunk many a Bowmore in my time, one of my all-time favourites being their no longer available (why please?) "Mariner", but this bottle is way to whimsical for me. It just about tastes of Islay to me - and to me Islay is an island of profound depth, interest and history - but this effort falls short of being memorable.
Purchased this some years ago at Duty Free thought I would give it a chance - Was very surprise and impressed by this dark, salty, slight spiced whiskey - a perfect drink on a rainy evening in front of a movie. Its now my go to when travelling and always happy when I can find a bottle. I certainly dont understand the negative reviews - we dont all like or need over smokey Whiskeys.
Somewhat disappointing for an Islay / Bowmore offering. Like many others bought it at the duty free (CDG). I am a loyal fan of Islay whiskys but this did not represent. Not a horrible whisky but certainly not a Lagavulin or Bowmore which typically decently represent Islay.
This is strangely insipid. Almost no smoke but fruity and sweet. It may be dark but it's definitely not intense. Disappointed with this effort from Bowmore. I paid £38 in an airport duty free and frankly that's all it's worth.
I can't understand the negative reviews at all, and certainly not the 'petrochemical' note. I think it's a delicious drop, especially for a casual weekday drink. Strong note of seasalt and some caramel on the palette. I left here wondering if a dodgy batch went out because I think it's great
