A 15 year old released in January of 2007 from the legendary Bowmore distillery in Islay, finished in Sherry casks, imparting a rich sweetness that blends well with the peaty elements.
Dark and punchy. Sherry notes, juicy Corinth raisins. Spices. Creamy, mochaccino, sweet dates.
Rich, woody, pine oil. Syrupy. Lovely, creamy toffee and malt. Smoky.
Spicy, toffee, sherry, barley.
Was: £192.90Now: £191.90
I'm sure this used to be called 'Darkest' last year, but now it has replaced the standard 15 y/o expression. And the word 'darkest' has vanished from the packaging. Odd. Yet another whisky 'created' to fit an imaginary gap in the market. I do wish Bowmore would get back to making decent whisky instead of dancing to the marketing department's tune. It is quite different to the 12 y/o, with a strong and out of character 'captain morgan rum' taste and smell. There is smoke, but it's weak and despite the 3 years in sherry casks, it isn't overly sherried either. I guess cherry and chocolate and rum. Finish is VERY short. Most of the bottle will end up in my home made blend, with an equal measure of Ardmore cask strength to add depth and real smoke. Despite all these shortcomings it's ok. But I would not buy again.
A big, rich dram full of raisins and dark chocolate. Creamy and thick in the mouth, smoke arrives late to the party. An ever present in my collection.
I've just done a tasting session with a few samples, with some staples that I keep in my cupboard, trying to decide what to add next.... The guest list included: Uigeadail Corryvreckan Lagavulin 16 Laphroaig 1/4 cask Laphroaig 10 Talisker 10 Ardbeg 10 Big Peat Bowmore 12 Bowmore 15 I'll start by stating that the Oogie and Corry occupy a special place, so they're in. Likewise the standard 10 by Ardbeg as it's just so well rounded. The Bowmore 12 didn't excite me at all, close to bottom of this group for me, but this 15, wow! What a complexity of flavours that is simply absent from the 12! I preferred it to Talisker 10 and put it next to the Laphroaig for interest, though it's quite different. There's several seams of fruity flavours that sits alongside the peat and smoke, cherries and coffee jumping out to me that's presumably the sherry casks shining through. My islay cabinet will definitely include this, it offers something quite different and equally intriguing as the other menbers. Top Stuff!
Not on the Ardbeg level (not as complex), but is still very lovely dram, especially for the price. I wish finish was longer.
Bowmore is one of those distilleries that did not impress me with any of their cheaper/younger stuff but when I spend a few extra bucks they always really impress me. This is no exception I paid $85 but damn it really is that good. All the same peat,peach,vanilla epic-ness of the 10 year old cask strength (tempest in the uk dorus mor in the us) but with so much raisin and cherry and cinnamon apple and so smooth. This is really a one of a kind whisky for me right now never had anything quite like it. Only reason it doesn't get a 10 is because it's only 43% I think at cask strength this could be one of the all time greats. Still totally awesome and worth the money. Cheers! The Sugarbear
