The latest batch by Maltbarn dates back to February, but some of them may have been overlooked a bit, like this Bowmore 2001.
Bowmore 11 yo 2001
(53,6%, Maltbarn 2012, sherry butt, 175 btl.)
Bowmore 11 yo 2001Nose: it’s funny how sherried Bowmore can seem much older than it actually is (I immediately thought of this Bowmore 1995 SMOS). Some oily garage aromas, worn leather and smoke. Light sulphur but totally not nasty, it blends nicely with the coastal notes and contrasts with the fruity notes of raisins and red plums.
Mouth: sherry and peat smoke, this time a little younger and more nervous, but still fruitier than expected. Redcurrant jam and port poached pears. Some brine, earthy peat and hints of bitter orange. Good balance.
Finish: long. Now the sherry has faded a bit and the classic lemon zest, salt and ash combo takes over.
Sherried Islay whisky is getting rare, so drams like this are welcome. But please leave a few casks for bottling in a decade or so. Around € 80. Still available.
Score: 89/100