We’ve reached the third and final tasting note for the latest Bowmore Travel Retail range. After the lovely Black Rock and great White Sands 17 yo comes the third expression in the series : the Gold Reef. Bottled without age statement, and like the White Sands, it’s aged in mostly ex-Bourbon casks (while the 17 yo is aged in 100% ex-bourbon casks), but should be younger. This dram is named for the way the glow of the sun’s rays reflect off the coral seabed.
Bowmore Gold Reef, 43% abv, NAS, £59.99 (1 Litre bottle)
Nose: Nice smooth melange of citrus , peat , honey and ripe mango with a hint of sea breeze.
Palate: Zesty smoky and quite fresh. With mouth watering rich malty feel to it. Smoke, malt and a nice oaky touch.
Finish: Wood. Creamy milk chocolate spread. Mango bits. Oak.
Another lovely dram, easy drinking and quite nice actually. If i had to choose between the three, this would not be my first choice, but it’s much better than many TR expressions you my stumble upon. You got to give it to Bowmore for creating 2 lovely NAS which do not feel young.
Score: 84/100
It has been quite a journey tasting those 3 Duty Free only expressions, and I must tell you I’m very impressed. All 3 are fat better than I had expected, especially the 17 year old and the Black Rock, this one too (even if I like it a bit less than the others – it’s very good on its own merit).
Good job guys! This is how you release good whiskies to Travel Retail. Whisky Industry: you look, listen and learn.
Slainte!
One thought on “The Bowmore Travel Retail Range : Part III – Gold Reef”