Leave it to Bowmore to take the common wisdom of ‘oh if it’s been 15 years it’s likely mellow’ and turn it into a fire-breathing monster that reminds you that the other thing you get when maturing a spirit for 15 years is the sheer power of that time.
There are drawbacks when one plays with fire, but most of that here is the cost that extra 3 years adds on, and that well – fire does kinda burn (sorry kiddos). That being said having a good islay to make you think of celtic fire magicks isn’t exactly so bad.
What they Say: “Bottle: Experience layers of perfect silk citrus and salty-sweet vanilla gliding over the palate with hints of peat smoke, sweet almond and lemon.
Box: Bowmore is home to the World’s oldest Scotch maturation warehouse, the legendary No.1 Vaults. Some of the world’s most coveted single malts have been meticulously matured here, steeped in more than 230 years of heritage, matured in the finest casks. Golden & Elegant. Bowmore’s 15 years old marriage of 1st fill bourbon casks and hogsheads has a refreshing, inspired and uplifting character. Harmonised through maturation, let its layers of perfect silk citrus and salty-sweet vanilla glide over the palate, finishing with peat smoke, sweet almond and lemon. Open the door to a story of deeper character.”
Taste: 7.0 – It explodes with flavor, and it’s delicious, but it lacks anything beyond the raw power.
Aftertaste: 8.0 – Like a dragon’s flame it hits the back of your throat and then erupts in a linger smokey and goodness for a long while, percolating into your nose
Burn/Smooth: 4.5 – It does have a burn to it, and for a 15 year so (what it’s being judge against) it’s quite high from more mellow scotches
Aroma: 8.5 – That smells like what you’d imagine the entire island of islay smells like. There is no other word for it – it’s beautiful
Honesty: 5.0 – They mention a whole load of bullshit and wrap it in that ‘perfect’ word. Add in the grab of maturation house, and all of the Bowmore islay fire is burned away by bullshit
Mixability: 7.0
W/ Rocks: 7.0 – It does some good things, but to be honest this is much better neat.
Value: 3.0 – This was bought on sale from a tasting, and thank god. 77 is far far too much for this. While this is a good 15 year the price for this is 65, and charging a full 12 more makes this not a great value. This costs MORE than the 17 year (in some cases due to variance)
Google Shop Average: $77
Website: http://www.bowmore.com/
Reviewer Scores:
BuffaloJern: 7.0
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Metric Score: 44/70 |+| Metric Average: 6.29 |+| Reviewer Average: 7.0
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Final Thoughts: Sure it burns, and yes they try to add so many flowers to the words we thought this was Holland, and the price is whack compared to other Bowmore’s – but fuck all that. You look into the glass holding this whiskey and you see pride, you see power, you see (bad writer, no Cool Runnings jokes) a damn good tasting whiskey.
Hi I required to buy it online where I needed to apply,
Regards,Sachin