Whisky-Fässle already had a Bowmore 1997 earlier this year. Now there’s a new one, again from a bourbon hogshead (probably from the #800xxx series of casks), and selected by / for Whisky-Freunde Dornstadt.
Bowmore 15 yo 1997
(53,7%, Whisky-Fässle for Whisky-Freunde Dornstadt 2012, bourbon hogshead)
Nose: modern Bowmore is starting to become the new Caol Ila. Clean, very focused on its key assets, and never bad quality. Mildly peaty with sea air, pepper, lemon and a vague sweetness in the background. Nice and simple.
Mouth: again mild (earthy) peat, with a nice citrus fruitiness (grapefruit, tangerine, passion fruits) and soft vanilla. Some briny notes. Hints of cardamom and herbs. Very nice.
Finish: long, clean, with pepper, peat and zesty citrus.
Good, good, good. I’ve thought hard about a better conclusion, but we’ll keep it at that. Around € 80.
Score: 89/100