There appears to be a subset of the Old Particular range from Douglas Laing, called The Islay Collection. It celebrates the smoky reputation of the island. Especially in The Netherlands they’ve made quite a bit of noise about it.
Bowmore 11 yo 2014 (48,4%, Douglas Laing ‘Old Particular’ 2026, tequila finish, ref. 20726, 324 btl.)
Nose: I’m picking up nice citrus first. Lemon and lime, with a hint of pineapple as well. Then there’s also the tequila note – a mix of mashed potatoes, green bell pepper and banana skin, mint and herbal hints. A bit of an alcoholic touch as well.
Mouth: here as well you feel the good spirit and the initial bourbon maturation, but it gets capped by a tangy, boozy alcoholic note, something metallic and lightly bitter. Agave juice, more green vegetal hints. Then back to lemons, white pepper and salt. Some gin-like botanicals too.
Finish: medium to long, with pine needles, young tequila and herbal bitters.
Tequila brings out a boozy note that rarely works with whisky, in my opinion. It didn’t work with Deanston, it didn’t work with Lagavulin either. It’s a bit of shame they imposed it on this perfectly fine Bowmore. Still available from Master of Malt for instance.
Caol Ila 10 yo 2015 (48,4%, Douglas Laing ‘Old Particular’ 2026, Ruby Port finish, ref. 20720, 300 btl.)
Nose: farts. Also hints of volcanic wines, town gas, aubergines and matchstick heads. I’m trying to get other things, like blackberries and coastal air, as well as some toffee. One of these noses that keep bothering me, even after thirty minutes in the glass.
Mouth: now the sooty character of the spirit takes the lead. Black peppercorns, burnt caramel and tobacco. Then also a fresher hint of juniper and spiced chocolate. The savoury, slightly sulphury edge is still there.
Finish: long, entirely on burnt oak, herbs and salted chocolate.
How do bottlers decide which spirit goes into which cask? And if it doesn’t work, would they still bottle it? The Bowmore was rather unfortunate, but this is worse. Score: 66/100