Another Bowmore already? Yes, why not. Wu Dram Clan is launching two new whiskies today and one is an 18 year old Bowmore. The other dram is a 12 year old Armorik from Warenghem distillery in France.
There was an inofficial presentation at the Limburg Whisky Fair a few weeks ago but due to logistics issues things came a bit later. Check the Wu Dram Clan website for dealer information.
Bowmore 18 yo 2007 (54,1%, Wu Dram Clan 2026, first-fill bourbon barrel #6358, 272 btl.)
Nose: nicely balanced. Grilled pineapple, light peach and candied lemon peels, with sea spray and brine. A light grassy / minty fresh tone and a sweeter honeyed note in the background, along with a subtle pinch of pepper. Not exceptionally fruity so far.
Mouth: more fruity and vibrant now, if still mostly on juicy stone fruits. Peach and lime. Later also a hint of grilled mango slices. It gets mixed with hints of gravel and flint, moderate herbs and more of this coastal character. Then it becomes more salty and juicy at the same time, while it develops a really nice, darker smoky note underneath.
Finish: quite long, warming, with a lingering fruitiness, ashy smoke and a black peppery touch.
How can we not love this? There’s the typical fruity core, a perfect dose of smoke and what more. That said, everyone is looking at this profile at the moment and this 2007 doesn’t deliver the exuberant (tart) tropical notes we like so much.
Armorik 12 yo 2013 (59,1%, OB for Wu Dram Clan 2026, new American oak cask #6015, 170 btl.)
Nose: a lot of barley sweetness, along with vanilla and sweet apple. Some buttery / biscuity notes. Right after this the slightly dusty and spicy grains come out and are balanced with well-dosed virgin wood. Coming close to a modern rye at times, or these Nordic malts. Then also mint leaves, white pepper and some fruity notes (mango?) in the distance.
Mouth: citrus, ginger and firm peppermint, along with a more pastry-like sweet layer. Vanilla cake, sweet lemons and hints of peaches. Then the spicy and herbal side takes over, adding freshness and warming, fairly toasted woodiness. Definitely full-bodied.
Finish: decent length, mostly sticking to spices, vanilla and toasted wood.
I’m always on my guard against virgin oak but this works well. It’s fresh and punchy with a certain herbal / grainy note that I associate with mainland Europe. Score: 86/100