Review by: The Muskox
Time for a budget whisky review! My buddy left this bottle at my house during a party. I’m certain people have drank it directly from the bottle. The bottle is nearly empty. I already know that I don’t like it. I am undeterred.
Distillery: Bowmore, allegedly.
Bottler: McClelland’s.
Region: Islay
ABV: 40%.
Age: No age statement.
Cask type: Unknown.
Price: $45 CAD.
Color: Artificial. Chill-filtered.
Nose: The first thing I get is a whole-wheat cracker. Specifically coming to mind is the crackers that my local tasting bar uses for palate cleaners. There’s a distinct metallic odour sitting on top. Not particularly earthy, and not even that smoky. Salted fish and bacon. Honey. Vaguely herbal. Maybe a little citrus?
Palate: Subtle is generous. It really doesn’t taste like a whole lot at first. Feels like water. Maybe some thin malt? Dry lemon. Peppery ethanol. Still metallic. Slightly briney. It’s got the astringent black tea Bowmore finish but even that isn’t very intense.
Finish: Not much other than a vague warming sensation. Seawater. Sun-baked driftwood.
Conclusion: There’s not much here. My friend had the right idea to drink this while already blitzed. I was thinking of using the rest of the bottle to experiment with mixing, but it might not even have enough flavour to do anything useful.
Final Score: 58.
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 