Bowmore Gold Reef is a travel retail expression, launched alongside Bowmore Black Rock and White Sands. It’s a No Age Statement whisky that was matured predominantly in first fill ex-bourbon casks.
Bowmore Gold Reef
(43%, OB 2014, travel retail)
Bowmore Gold ReefNose: quite a coastal / medicinal expression, with dried seaweed and a sea breeze. Salted butter. Peat and a hint of antiseptic. A fresh and fruity base, mainly lemon and oranges, even coconut if you dig a little deeper.
Mouth: smoky and oily, with some pretty sharp peat and a gingery heat. Chalky and zesty notes. A little salt. There’s also a more rounded, vanilla-infused side but I’m only getting a small glimpse of the tropical fruits the distillery is promising.
Finish: medium long, thanks to the peat and spiced honey.
Bowmore Gold Reef is quite okay, but it’s around € 85 in the UK, which I find pretty heavy for a 43% NAS whisky that’s not very special. Mind that you can find it as low as € 50 in other countries (1 litre bottle).
Score: 80/100