Whisky Review/Tasting: Bowmore 18 years

Physical Whisky Characteristics

Origin: Islay, Scotland
Type: Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Distillation & Maturation: Matured in a combination of Oloroso sherry casks and American white oak casks (ex-bourbon barrels). Notably, Bowmore has a history of maturing whiskies in sherry casks, particularly Oloroso.
Age Statement: 18 years
Color: Mellow mahogany, though it's noted that Bowmore colors its whisky artificially.
Clarity and Bottle Design: The review focuses more on the whisky itself and its packaging (rectangular card boxes) rather than the clarity or specific bottle design details. The miniature version has a metal screw cap, while the full-size bottle has a real cork.

Balance of Flavors: Described as exceptionally balanced, harmonizing classic Bowmore smokiness with creamy caramel, chocolate, and ripe fruit aromas. The flavor is a blend of soft fruit and chocolate balanced with light smokiness, leading to a complex and wonderfully balanced finish.
Unique Characteristics: The whisky is noted for its creamy, fruity, sweet, and sherry-rich profile, with a faint peatiness that adds complexity without overpowering the other flavors. The aftertaste is long, becoming slightly drier but remains smooth and gentle.
Comparison: Compared to other Bowmore expressions, the 18-year-old is highlighted for its harmony and balance. It is less peaty than younger Bowmores and offers a more mature and complex flavor profile than the 15-year-old Darkest, which is sweeter and less mature.

Interesting Stories: The review mentions a tale from former Bowmore manager Jim McEwan, suggesting that whisky should be savored on the tongue for a second for every year of maturation, enhancing the intensity and complexity of flavors.
Production Insights: Bowmore's decision to focus on single malt production and move away from the blending business around the year 2000 is discussed, highlighting a significant shift in the company's strategy and product focus.

Historical Context: Bowmore is one of the few distilleries that still produces its own floor-malted barley, though not for 100% of its production. The distillery is home to the legendary No. 1 Vaults, the oldest maturation warehouse in Scotland and the only one below sea level, contributing to the unique maturation environment for Bowmore whiskies.

"One of the most harmonic Bowmores available on the market."
"This is definitely Bowmore. It's so sherry, so much volume, so much intensity."
The reviewer expresses a preference for Bowmore expressions with age statements over those without and hopes for a change in the practice of adding caramel for color adjustment.

Bowmore 18 years is a single malt Scotch whisky from Islay, matured in a combination of Oloroso sherry and American white oak casks.
It offers a balanced flavor profile of smokiness, creamy caramel, chocolate, and ripe fruit, with a complex and harmonious finish.
The whisky's production and maturation are enriched with stories and insights, including a shift away from blending and the significance of the No. 1 Vaults.
The reviewer appreciates the harmony and complexity of the 18-year-old expression, favoring it over sweeter, less mature offerings and expressing a desire for the discontinuation of artificial coloring.

For Whisky Connoisseurs: The complexity and balance of Bowmore 18 years make it a top choice for experienced whisky drinkers seeking depth and refinement.
For Fans of Sherry-Cask Whiskies: Those who appreciate the rich, fruity, and sweet notes characteristic of sherry cask maturation will find this whisky particularly enjoyable.
For Islay Whisky Enthusiasts: While less peaty than some Islay whiskies, Bowmore 18 years offers a unique take on the region's profile, blending smokiness with sherry-influenced sweetness and fruitiness.