Saturday 13 October 2012

Whisky Discovery #195

Bowmore 1985 (52.3% abv OB, Bottled 2012, 70cl)
Islay Single Malt Whisky
Circa £300.00 70cl
My second 'Dream Dram' on the Sunday afternoon
This was my second 'Dream Dram' at the 2012 Whisky Exchange Whisky Show and one of just 747 bottles released 26 year old distilled in 1985 and bottled in 2012

The Bowmore Vintage 1985 has been aged for 26 years in hand selected bourbon and sherry casks, and matured in the legendary No.1 Vaults, Bowmore's warehouse which is located below sea-level on the island of Islay.

The expression is remarkably rich and fruity, balanced with the trademark Bowmore sea-salt tang, and possesses more smoke and depth than the earlier Vintage releases. This unique edition is a classic Bowmore; smoke, fresh Atlantic sea-salt and layers of fruit complexity.

It comes presented in a wooden gift box with a ‘weather-beaten’ brown leather strap and copper buckle, each bottle is also accompanied by a hand-signed and numbered certificate by the Bowmore Distillery Manager, Eddie MacAffer.

So What Did I Think?

Despite the photograph showing this to be golden it was much darker without the camera flash casting it's brilliant white light through it.

The nose had some lovely peat smoke aromas wrapped around chocolate and dark cherries. Citrus notes of orange and grapefruit come through on the palate, not light and fresh citrus but moodier and darker. The chocolate notes continue on the palate along with some sweet honey and a salty tang. It finishes with the cherries, dark cocoa rich chocolate and the delicious almost 'leathery' peaty smoke.

Unfortunately it's still above my drinking budget, so won't be something I'll be buying, but if you can get the chance to taste this, grab it with both hands!

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