This Bowmore 22 Year Old is the second edition of the Master’s Selection series partnered by Aston Martin. See the review of the Bowmore 21 Years Aston Martin that I posted back in July.
The first version developed this concept of the golden ratio, adding mathematically diminishing portions of different cask types. This time there’s less information and less strictness. The 22 Year Old is a combination of 1997 and 2000 spirit, from American oak hogsheads and sherry butts.
Bowmore 22 yo ‘Aston Martin’ (51,5%, OB ‘Master’s Selection’ 2022, 12.800 btl.)
Nose: elegant and leathery. Whiffs of Oloroso appear, with this beautifully ‘evolved peatiness’ that adds a mix of ripe mango and eucalyptus. Really typical of older Bowmore. Then dark honey, hints of hazelnuts and light tobacco. It keeps growing more aromatic over time, with fragrant peaches as well as bolder medicinal aromas like camphor and bandages. Lovely.
Mouth: oh yes, definitely more tropical than last year’s edition, in my opinion. Just a beautiful mix of pink grapefruits, sweet papaya and ripe blood oranges, with a touch of red berries. This mingles with mint leaves, Timur berries and wet tobacco. Then a subtle saltiness appears, with drops of cold coffee, always backed by the sherry sweetness.
Finish: long and warming, with soaked fruits, subtle sherry spice and a whiff of mint.
I think the first release was held back a little by the rigid composition, hiding some of the brighter fruits. The 22 Year Old folds open perfectly though, making this the best official release I’ve had since the 26 Years from the Vintner’s Trilogy. Sold out in most regions, although some retailers still have some stock. Prices go from the official £ 390 up to € 800 from the more greedy retailers.