Elements of Islay Bw8 is the latest Bowmore in this series. A combination of ex-bourbon barrels and sherry butts from 2001 and 2003, matured for at least 16 years.
Bowmore Bw8 2001+2003 (51,2%, Elements of Islay 2020, 1320 btl.)
Nose: refreshing profile, mostly influenced by the bourbon wood. Mint and lime, hints of kiwi and green apple. Shells on the beach and rather soft ashy smoke. Wet fabrics. Some waxy / oily notes.
Mouth: much more smoky now, with a fairly sweet onset, quickly followed by sour lemons, brine and grapefruit skins. Very coastal, with just flashes of lime and unripe mango. Waxy notes, spearmint, with the zesty notes growing bolder.
Finish: medium, with briny peat and zesty citrus.
Bright, zesty and coastal Bowmore. Really nice but not on the same level as Bw5 in my book. The price is on the heavy side, but this is mature Islay whisky after all. Available from The Whisky Exchange for instance.