Bowmore, the oldest distillery of Islay Island

Founded in 1779, Bowmore is the oldest distillery on Islay Island. It's one of the only five distilleries in Scotland to still produce its own floor malted barley. 

Bowmore makes well balanced, subtle whiskies with a phenolic content (peaty) slightly lower than the others Islay whiskies producers. It uses a big proportion of sherry casks, 1/3 of the global production is matured in it. It makes the elixir rounder. 

Situated on the shores of the Loch Indaal, Bowmore vaults are literally placed on the waterfront, even below sea level, justicating its marin notes.  

Springbank 10 y.o and Bowmore Enigma 12 y.o tasting
Let's taste together the Bowmore Enigma 12 years old...

Tasting notes:

Colour: Dark amber

Nose: Fresh marin breeze. Floral: lilac, lavander. Touch of honey. Sweet citrus, tangerine, very matured orange notes. Salty butter, caoutchouc.

Palate: Warm and complex (oily). Peated and salted. Fruity: light sherry, tangerine, lemon zest notes(bitter taste). Spiced. Nose characteritics confirmed.

Finish: Long, sweet and fresh. Peated, lightly salted with hints of Gentian.

ABV: 40%

The Bowmore Enigma is sweeter and richer than the standard Bowmore 12 y.o. It's a great value whisky. Well balanced between the peat and smoke and the sweetness of the sherry. I just expected more sherry tastes. Very pleasant dram! 

Slainte!