Dropping today: two Island whiskies from Decadent Drinks. The first is O.I. Old Islay, a 21 year old Bowmore. Then there’s O.M. Old Mull, a 20 year old Ledaig. It’s all about contrast here.
This series which started as an Old Orkney mini-series now expands into a premium collectible series in cognac-style bottles. We go island hopping, with a number of expressions only between February 2026 and March 2027.
Bowmore 21 yo (55%%, Decadent Drinks ‘O.I. Old Islay’ 2026, first-fill Pedro Ximénez finish, 264 btl.)
Nose: elegant peat, beach sand and brine but also those lovely tropical fruits underneath. Lime and yuzu, pineapple, almost a Sauvignon-like hint of passion fruit. Darker raisins too. Then slightly sweeter almond milk, whiffs of dried herbs, wet stones and a very subtle waxy note.
Mouth: the tropical fruits take over – we’re happy. Sweet lime, mango, pink grapefruit, a little papaya and ripe pineapple. Also clams and seawater, with mild antiseptics, herbal ashes and a bit more chalky hints than I expected. Vegetal oils, drops of Riesling now.
Finish: medium to long, much the same which is excellent news. Lingering tropical fruits, mild coastal notes and chalk.
Top notch Bowmore, a perfect mix of tropical fruits and a mild Islay character. Slowly this is becoming the official house style of the distillery (again). In my book it sits right in the middle between the Whiskyland release and the Whisky Sponge cask. Keep an eye out on Decadent Drinks today.
Ledaig 20 yo (53,1%%, Decadent Drinks ‘O.M. Old Mull’ 2026, refill hogshead)
Nose: a real fisherman’s dram. Coal smoke, charred lemons on a barbecue, with rusty metal tools, fir buds, lightly fermented greens and hints of tarred roofing. Then some green olives in pickling brine, green peppercorns and one or two anchovies. A true rugged profile, but not at all dirty.
Mouth: again this sharp and chiselled maritime character. Seawater, plenty of olives, pure lemon juice. Deep bonfire smoke underneath. Now there’s also a lightly meaty underpinning from the spirit. Then a little smoked chilli, old cloth and herbal cough syrup. Very mineral, simply very close to the sea.
Finish: long, very peaty and ashy, with savoury elements, lemons and more olives in brine.
Whereas the Bowmore was all about elegance and even sexy fruits, this Ledaig is boisterous and prickly. The Ledaig is more island-y, in my opinion, but I’m sure a bottle of the Bowmore would be empty more quickly. Score: 90/100