I’m getting really fond of the Bowmore style of late, both the official bottlings and the independent releases. Because of this I’m also extra curious to assess new vintages that we hadn’t seen before. Today it’s a Bowmore 2016, just under 10 years and selected by DeinWhisky.de from the stocks at Douglas Laing.
Bowmore 9 yo 2016 (60,2%, Douglas Laing ‘Old Particular’ for DeinWhisky.de 2025, refill barrel, 237 btl.)
Nose: that’s basically the style. A very rich mix of tropical fruits and Islay smoke. There’s pineapple and papaya, with lime and maybe a hint of maracuya syrup. Then sweet almonds and coconut, with honey and whiffs of candied ginger. Also clean (rather sharp) smoke and hints of wet pebblestones.
Mouth: quite pungent, too hot for my taste actually. The peaty side is louder now, and highlighted by peppery notes, nutmeg and plenty of gingery heat. That said, there’s also this (slightly lighter) mix of mango, passion fruit and pink grapefruit that is hard to beat. Later also charcoal, a leafy edge, steeped tea and subtle floral touches (not the soapy kind, mind you).
Finish: quite long, with intense peat and a slightly raw edge of pepper and plain malt.
DeinWhisky and Douglas Laing already had a good Bowmore last year and this is definitely on the same level, if not better. This spirit in a good bourbon cask brings out a lovely tropical fruitiness. A good option if you’re in the market for a € 100 Islay whisky. Only from DeinWhisky.