Bowmore Vintner's Trilogy 2nd Release Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky 26 Year Old

Nose

Big, wooded aroma of autumn leaf mulch, with dark chocolate and black cherry intertwined by glowing wood embers. Peat smoke returns, giving a maritime edge and treacly phenols. Blackberry and hawthorn jam mingle with rosehip syrup, a hint of meatiness, and a complex, wood-driven richness that speaks to Bowmore’s bold, aged evolution.

Palate

When neat, it’s very rich, thick and liquorous, with mature wood notes, with smoke running through the length of the palate. There’s some leather and then, on the back palate, a light grip, sootiness and the mixed fruits seen on the nose. While water initially softens and sweetens things, in time there’s more acidity and tannin coming into play, which just slightly knocks the overall balance. The wood certainly shows more of itself as it develops – but I’m being super picky.

Finish

Ashes and then fresh fruit, more wood and ash. Conclusion Aged for 13 years in ex-Bourbon, then the same time in red wine barriques, this is Bowmore at its boldest, but with signs on the finish that it is (or was) moving into the third stage of its evolution.