Bowmore 1989 (Maltman)

Another release by The Maltman: Bowmore 21 years old, distilled in 1989.

Bowmore 21 yo 1989
(46%, The Maltman 2012)

Nose: nicely coastal, with seaweed, brine and sweet peat. Delicate smoke and a vague vanilla sweetness in the background. Faintly medicinal with a lemon / linseed oil combination. Less fruity touches than I remember in previous Bowmore 1989 releases.

Mouth: it has a slightly diluted feel, as if the Bowmore coastalness was cut with sugary water. Sweet lemon drops, some pepper and liquorice. Fading on leafy notes.

Finish: medium long, smoky, with a light herbal bitterness.

We already knew Bowmore 1989 can be very nice, but in this case I feel the reduced strength brings smoothness but also takes away part of the magic. Around € 85.

Score: 86/100