Review by: Whiskery Turnip
Image Credit: zSolaris, aka Scotch&Sheen (Check out his awesome review through the link)
Distillery: Bowmore.
Bottler: Quality Spirits International.
Region: Scotland/Islay Single Malt.
ABV: 44.1%.
Age: 33 Years. Distilled in 1985.
Cask type: Cognac Cask Finish.
Nose: Oak and mellow florals with a touch of tropical fruit teas and tisanes; antique spice boxes, mellow beachy salt, and florals; morning glories and passion flowers with subtle lavender and orris.
Palate: Light-bodied, mellow maritime brine and dried tropical fruits, floral passion flower and hibiscus with a touch of lavender in the background, heather, old wood and antiques, musty old herbal teas and tobacco, slightly bitter oak and tannins toward the end.
Finish: Long and mellow with gentle florals, tobacco, and a kiss of salt.
Mental Image: Early Breakfast on the Beach.
Conclusion: A mystery malt from Islay! Now, which distillery was famous for its floral, almost perfume, and sometimes soapy whisky in the 1980s? That is right, I do not believe this could be anything other than Bowmore. It had all the classic floral notions with underlying coastal brine and tobacco— it never crossed over into perfume or soap with its more gentle lavender, but the tropical florals were delightfully familiar. I do not typically get soap from 80s Bowmore, but I can see exactly why those notes strike some people as soap or French perfume.
The aroma was gentle and coastal, with soft tropical vibes running throughout; the palate was much the same, with mellow fruits, florals, and beach notes dominating. A hint of tobacco and tobacco ash hung toward the back with some bitter oak, and a few drops of water brought those straight to the front— I would not advise adding water as I found that anything more than a few drops amplified the latent bitterness, and the whisky became undrinkable.
Overall, a gentle sipper that reminded me of breakfast on cool, damp sand in the morning.
Final Score: 82.
Scoring Legend:
- 95-100: As good as it gets. Jaw-dropping, eye-widening, unforgettable whisky.
- 90-94: Sublime, a personal favorite in its category.
- 85-89: Excellent, a standout dram.
- 80-84: Quite good. Quality stuff.
- 75-79: Decent whisky worth tasting.
- 70-74: Meh. It’s definitely drinkable, but it can do better.
- 60-69: Not so good. I might not turn down a glass if I needed a drink.
- 50-59: Save it for mixing.
- 0-49: Blech.
Malt Runners 