A whisky coming into its prime. This 15-year-old single malt, which spends its final three years in oloroso sherry casks, is elegantly balanced between this sherry influence and the distillery’s fruit and peat characteristics – including a siren-like whisper of tropical fruit that will delight fans of older-style Bowmore. Now is the time to try Bowmore 15 Year Old, which reflects the best of the distillery’s output from around the new millennium.
NOSE
A balance of leathery sherry notes and fruity touches. Ripe mangos, wine gums and Gummi Bears sit on one side; tarred ropes, burnt sugar, medicinal edges, spiced fruit and burnt raisins (the ones that puff up and go crunchy on the edges of fruit cake) sit on the other. More sweetness developed as it sat in the glass, along with hints of coconut and vanilla appearing.
PALATE
Pungent fruit and peat smoke, with grapefruit, linseed oil, and some floral touches, balanced by black liquorice, green leaves and some menthol. Water brought out more sweetness, with tropical touches, blackcurrant, cinnamon sugar and fruity chews developing along with spiced lebkuchen.
FINISH
Dark wood, soft tar, woody spice and green apple.
