Bowmore 15 Year Old was matured initially in bourbon casks before a finishing period in oloroso sherry casks. It balances the distillery's signature coastal peat with layers of dark fruit, spice, chocolate, and warming oak. Rich enough for peat lovers but refined enough to pull in people who normally avoid Islay altogether.
A spiced, fruity nose with notes of prunes, sherried peels, a little sultana flavour, cinnamon and nutmeg. It develops on milky coffee and dark chocolate.
A rich, oaky palate with wood resin and creamy toffee. Hints of plum wine, damsons, black pepper, soft wood-smoke and chocolate malt.
Long, spiced finish with buttery toffee and malt.
I really wanted to like this more than I do. I've taken to a couple sherry finish selections as of late (for the smoothness) but I found I need to add a few drops of water to knock the initial bite down. I actually find myself liking the Bow 12yo better, go figure. Further to that there isn't enough peat in this one either (for me), but then again I would say Lag 16 is the absolute best Islay out there (within my budget). Cheers
I’m fairly new to whisky drinking with rum being my normal tipple, but this was very nice. Deep colour and a smokey flavour, I drank it neat and also tried with water, both tasted great. Price is reasonable too so would recommend, and will be purchasing again in the future!
The first thing you notice is the rich golden colour of this whisky. As you open the bottle you can smell the smokiness and the taste has a deep warmth and not harsh like some whiskies. We enjoyed this as an after dinner drink over ice. The only reason I didn't award five stars was we couldn't get the taste of it being in a sherry cask like we have from some other whiskies but even so a very nice drink.
Good golden coloured single malt. Well priced. I drunk it undiluted over a bit of ice. Has a smooth peaty taste. Bit smokey which I enjoyed with no bitter after taste. Not an expert but know what I enjoy.
A bit too smokey for me, also has a taste of coffee about it. It was better with a little water added, but would not be one I would drink regularly.
