Whisky Discovery #196

Bowmore 15 Year Old Darkest (43% abv)
Islay Single Malt Whisky
Circa £50.00 70 cl

The first of my four dram Bowmore experience

First unsuccessfully tasted at The Whisky Exchange Whisky Show, however I got a second opportunity at a recent meeting with  Morrison Bowmore Distillers UK Regional Sales Executive, Phil Nickson where being the first of a four dram Bowmore introduction went down a great deal better.

The 15 Year Old 'Darkest' has been matured in an inspired combination of both bourbon and sherry casks, it's the final three years spent in Oloroso sherry casks that gives the rich, deep colour reflected in its name, and its warming finish.

So What Did I Think?

Like I said this went down MUCH better than my first attempt, and it really is a great dram. I wouldn't take too much attention of the references to it's colour as this has been 'homogenised' with the addition of spirit caramel as so many of the whiskies seem to be these days.

That said, don't let this put you off. The nose is rich and fruity, dried fruits with figs and dates, some candied peel, there's dark toffee and chocolate notes. There's that Bowmore Islay smoke  along with some sweet licorice.

Again a good rich feel in the mouth and on the palate the candied peel tastes decidedly more orangey. There's a little spicy wood, and a pine or cedar type note, and dark cherries. The finish seems to be drying, almost like black tea tannins before some whispy wood smoke rolls in and gently fades.

This is definitely one I would like to add to my shelf in the future.