When presented a series of samples, sometimes you’re not inclined to try the medium-aged Bowmores right away. Because you already know it’s going to be high quality and very similar to the previous one you’ve tried. Some of them are more perfect than the others though. Like this Bowmore 1996 in the Faces series.
Bowmore 17 yo 1996 (52,7%, The Whisky Agency ‘Faces’ 2013, refill bourbon hogshead, 307 btl.)
Bowmore 17 yo 1996 (52,7%, The Whisky Agency ‘Faces’ 2013, refill bourbon hogshead, 307 btl.)Nose: interesting nose. It’s definitely modern, clean Bowmore, with maritime notes, medium peat smoke, soot and a very pleasant vanilla roundness. What’s different, is that this one also has butter pastry, marzipan and a great (light) farmy edge (sheep stables). Wonderfully balanced as well.
Mouth: quite sweet but also zesty and briney. Citrus candy, lots of grapefruit zest, almonds and pepper. Honeyed and smoky. Faint earthy notes, with a sharper spiciness. A bit of anise. The fruits come back towards the end in a more tropical disguise (plums, kumquat, even a little mango).
Finish: still balancing between (bigger) bitterness and (softer) sweetness.
I really liked this one, sometimes these well-made Bowmores all seem a bit too similar, but this one had a few twists while still retaining its perfect balance. No need to say it comes highly recommended. Around € 100 and the insider’s pick of this batch by The Whisky Agency.
Score: 91/100