Another of Boutique-y batch samples has arrived and as always, it’s good stuff. After a nice weekend without much whisky (but wine and beer) i decided to start checking those out with this Bowmore. I was not a Bowmore fan in recent years, but i have started liking this distillery more and more in recent months, and this sherried Bowmore looked promising.Again this one is NAS, and only 263 bottles available (still).
Bowmore – Batch 1 (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) , NAS, £52
Nose: A rather bizarre nose at first.This one needs time in the glass methinks. whiffs of peat. Some botanicals: pine and salt. A little bit of dried fruit underneath sultanas and plums, not overly sweet.
Palate : A tempest of smoke and ash. With quite some sherry influence here. Much more pronounced than the nose. A lot of sherry drenched sultanas. Quite winey. Some medicinal stuff:iodine, and brine. A true Islay.
Finish: Sweet bonfire smoke. Sherry. Ash. Long and soothing.
In essence It’s Lovely. The nose is less than perfect IMHO, but the palate and finish make up for it. Great sipping whisky, Sherry and smoke with the brine salt and soot. Bring it on.
Score: 85/100
official samples provided by Master Of Malt.