This is the most recent addition to the Master of Malt range.
When I see the combination of Bowmore and 1980’s, an alarm goes off inside my head. You can expect all sorts of things from that period, with lavender soap and eau de cologne probably being the worst. Have a look at this Bowmore 1983/2008 by Douglas Laing if you don’t know what I’m talking about. On the other hand, this 26 years old Bowmore was matured in a refill sherry hogshead, and I don’t think I’ve had many 1980’s vintages from that type of cask.
Bowmore 26 yo 1982
(53,4%, Master of Malt 2009, 195 btl.)
Bowmore 26 yo 1982Nose: hmmm… what’s this? It’s not soapy Bowmore, but it’s not like their regular stuff either. Very candied, with some marshmallow and cherry fruit gums. Hey, I like this, although it’s still faintly floral / soapy and I probably wouldn’t recognize it as a Bowmore. Soft vanilla / white chocolate underneath. With a drop of water it becomes very lightly peaty and quite grassy.
Mouth: very sweet attack. Violet candy appears, balancing on the edge between fruity notes and hints of lavender. But it never crosses the line of becoming perfume. Citrus. Some peat in the background, with whiffs of cinnamon.
Finish: still quite candied, with vanilla and just a hint of peat.
Ever wondered how a Bowmore lollipop would taste like? Once you get over the prejudices, this is quite enjoyable. And I never thought I would write that about a 1982 Bowmore. Not excellent, but certainly not the worst from this era either. Around € 120.
Score: 82/100