Review by: Raygun
One of a small series Bowmore did a few years ago. All started in bourbon casks for 13 years, and were then transferred to some kind of wine cask for several more years. I believe this was the first in the series, with the secondary maturation in Manzanilla sherry casks (a favorite of mine). The other two were in French oak wine barriques and port casks, at 26 and 27 years total, respectively. My first of this trilogy. Reviewed from a bar pour. Rested about 5 minutes.
Distillery: Bowmore
Bottler: Bowmore
Region/style: Speyside single malt Scotch
ABV: 52.5%. Maybe cask strength?
Age: 18 years. Released in 2017.
Cask type: 13 years in bourbon, then 5 years in Manzanilla casks.
Color: Too dark to see. Unsure about added color or chill-filtration
Price: Around $180 is the best I’ve seen.
Nose: Intensely smoky, but with a very nice sweetness to it. Apple, chocolate, orange, leather.
Palate: That is damn good. Smoky, some basement funk, orange, vanilla, some cigar. Sweet bean sauce.
Finish: Sweet and smoky. Orange, millionaire’s shortbread, some apricot. Balsamic glaze and Parmesan cheese.
Conclusion: Good Bowmore is so good. Probably my favorite stuff on Islay. This is good Bowmore. Manzanilla casks are my jam and this hits the spot. Sweet, smoky, and savory. Lovely stuff. I could drink a lot of this.
Buy a bottle? I should
Final Score: 88
Scoring Legend:
- 95-100: As good as it gets. Jaw-dropping, eye-widening, unforgettable whisky. (Convalmore 36)
- 90-94: Sublime, a personal favorite in its category. (Bruichladdich Black Art 4.1)
- 85-89: Excellent, a standout dram. (Ledaig 13 Amontillado)
- 80-84: Quite good. Quality stuff. (Tomatin 18)
- 75-79: Decent whisky worth tasting. (Glen Scotia 15)
- 70-74: Meh. It’s definitely drinkable, but it can do better. (Aultmore 12)
- 60-69: Not so good. I might not turn down a glass if I needed a drink. (Glenmorangie 10)
- 50-59: Save it for mixing. (Old Pulteney 12)
- 0-49: Blech. (Muirhead’s Silver Seal 16)
Malt Runners 