So, 27 year old Bowmore bottled by That Boutique-y Whisky Company. Today minus 27 years means distilled around 1991, so if it comes close to something like the Bowmore 1991 ALOS we would be very happy indeed.
The colour makes us think this is a bourbon hogshead.
Bowmore 27 yo Batch #5 (47,6%, That Boutique-y Whisky Company 2018, 285 btl.)
Bowmore 27 yo Batch #5 (47,6%, That Boutique-y Whisky Company 2018, 285 btl.)Nose: coastal notes up front, with sandy beaches, briney sea air, almonds and a hint of sourness (starts as a hint of glue maybe, but becomes more lemony after a while – nice really). Lemon and salt, always a good combo. Light buttery touches in the background, as well as some green fruits (gooseberries), kiwi and pink grapefruit. Complex.
Mouth: same bright fruity notes – not quite the classic tropical fruits, it’s slight less warm but close. Kiwi, green banana, sour apples and pink grapefruit. Passion fruit too. There’s also a leathery note, very gentle peat and wild herbs. Then back towards salty notes, olives.
Finish: long, both fruity and sharp, with light ginger and herbs.
Quite a terrific old Bowmore (again). Complex, understated and fruity. If you remember the lovely 1993 expressions, then you’ll certainly like this one as well. Pricey whisky, but old Islay whisky doesn’t come cheap, and it’s still cheaper than the ALOS bottling. Available from Master of Malt.
Score: 91/100