Bowmore 18 Year

This is a lengthy tasting, covering six Scotch whiskies: a blended grain and five Islay single malts. The reviewer aims to explore and score whiskies based on expert ratings, acknowledging that different reviewers and whisky types contribute to these scores. The tasting process involves sampling three whiskies on consecutive nights before tasting all six together. COMPASS BOX HEDONISM: Pale straw hue, indicating no added color. The aroma offers papaya, grapefruit, tangerine, marzipan, and vanilla. The texture is viscous, with the palate dominated by oaky vanilla. A slight white pepper note emerges on the finish, which also brings back vanilla and a woody bitterness. This whisky is a "vanilla bomb," as the label suggests. Its vanilla character is pronounced, especially after tasting other whiskies. Given its age and cask type, the vanilla is expected. The reviewer would not purchase it again, rating it 2.5 out of 5. It has 43% ABV, is non-chill filtered, contains no added coloring, and is from Series MMXVI-C. BOWMORE 18-YEAR: A russet mahogany color. The nose presents sherry notes like dates, rugelach, and brown sugar, layered over Islay peat, smoke, iodine, salt, and seaweed. These sweet and savory elements carry onto the palate, with well-balanced alcohol. The finish is medium-length with similar sweet and savory flavors. It is compared to other sherry-finished Islay Scotches, but falls short of Lagavulin Distiller’s Edition in sweetness and peat, and Ardbeg Uigeadail in power and complexity. While gentler, it lacks the elegance and complexity of Laphroaig 15-year 200th Anniversary Edition. The reviewer would drink it again but finds little reason to choose it over other options, deeming it not "special" enough for its $150 price and 96-point rating. It receives 3.5 out of 5. It has 43% ABV, an 18-year age statement, is chill-filtered, and has added coloring (E150a). LAPHROAIG 10-YEAR: Clear, natural straw color. The aroma includes peat smoke, kelp, iodine, Band-Aid, bacon fat, sage, figs, white pepper, apple, speck, and orange marmalade. The palate has fig and honey sweetness, with a flavor reminiscent of a well-seasoned cast-iron griddle. The mild alcohol content is noted, with the reviewer suggesting a higher proof version would be preferable. The finish is long with light fruit, peat smoke, and ash. This iconic Islay whisky is praised for its complexity and value at around $50. The reviewer would buy it again, rating it 4.5 out of 5. It has 43% ABV, a 10-year age statement, and added coloring (E150a). LAPHROAIG 15-YEAR 200TH ANNIVERSARY: Bright amber color. The nose offers cocoa powder, honey, gardenia, apple crumble, gentle peat, scones with jam, iodine, seaweed, and a hint of damp cardboard. The palate is light, with honeyed sweetness, white pepper, salt, ash, and smoked meat on the finish. This expression is described as sophisticated, graceful, and complex. Due to its limited release, prices range from $500 to $1,000. The reviewer would repurchase it at its original price (just over $100) and is happy to own it. It receives 4.5 out of 5. It has 43% ABV, a 15-year age statement, and added coloring (E150a). LAGAVULIN DISTILLER’S EDITION: Deep orange amber. The nose is rich with dates, raisins, prunes, banana, Frangelico, and milk chocolate, overlaying classic Lagavulin notes of kelp and iodine, with a hint of vanilla. The palate starts with brown sugar sweetness, then reveals the characteristic kelp, iodine, and smoke. The finish has white pepper, brief brown sugar, and lingering smoke. This expression is seen as a more sophisticated and elegant marriage of Islay malts and sherry casks compared to Bowmore 18 and Ardbeg Uigeadail. It costs around $110 and the reviewer would buy it again, rating it 4.25 out of 5. It has 43% ABV, a 16-year age statement, batch lgv. 4/507, and added coloring (E150a). TALISKER 10-YEAR: Clear burnt orange amber. The aroma has cotton candy sweetness, Grape Kool-Aid, cocoa powder, apple pie, and smoke. Smoky peat and BBQ sauce notes are present. The mouthfeel is oily and viscous. The palate features honey and concentrated pear extract, with a finish of white pepper, honeyed biscuits, brown-sugared oatmeal, and smoky peat. This whisky is a favorite, noted for being powerful and youthful yet complex. It offers incredible value at around $65 and the reviewer would buy it again, rating it 4.25 out of 5. It has 45.8% ABV, a 10-year age statement, and added coloring (E150a). E150a RANT: The reviewer expresses frustration with the addition of caramel coloring (E150a) to high-end whiskies with age statements, viewing it as deceptive. The practice is seen as unnecessary for whiskies targeting connoisseurs, especially given Scotch whisky's traditional ingredients and regulations. The reviewer highlights Germany's requirement for ingredient disclosure and praises transparency from brands like Springbank and Compass Box, which do not use coloring. The addition of color by Bowmore, Laphroaig, and Lagavulin is considered fraudulent. CONCLUSION: The reviewer discusses the subjectivity of ratings and suggests improvements to scoring systems. In this tasting, Compass Box Hedonism is criticized for being one-dimensional and overpriced, while Bowmore 18 is flagged for its artificial coloring and lack of distinction. Laphroaig 10 is lauded for its value and complexity. Laphroaig 15-year is praised for its sophistication and grace. Lagavulin Distiller's Edition is noted for its superior balance of sweet and peat. Talisker 10 is highlighted for its value, power, and complexity. These last four are considered worthy of high ratings.

WHISKY AGED SHOWDOWN Bowmore 18 Highland Park 19 Dimensions (Duncan Taylor) Balvenie Portwood 21 Kirkland Speyside Single Malt 22 (Alexander Murray) Continuing my review of unreviewed bottles from my collection. This selection is a bit mixed, featuring Islay (Bowmore), Highland (Highland Park), and two Speysides (Balvenie, Kirkland). The ages are the common factor, ranging from 18 to 22 years. As before, the aim is not to crown a single winner, but to provide an interesting comparison. Ordered from youngest to oldest. Bowmore 18 Second darkest color, almost the same as the Balvenie 21. Banana bread on the nose, with a touch of Islay character: faint iodine, saltiness, and light peat smoke. The palate has a hint of roundness, but the fruit fades, replaced by a little white pepper spice. Passionfruit notes start a medium finish, followed by light char and smoke, but it feels weak, almost watery. Sadly, Bowmore 18 has added caramel coloring. I don't understand why any distillery would do this. It ruins the experience. Burning peat for malt is as traditional as Scotch gets. An 18-year-old whisky's age is genuine; why mess with the age, tradition, and experience by adding coloring? It's baffling. Bowmore 18 costs about $150. It's not bad, but not memorable, and the added coloring is basically a lie. Why? What's the secret? What's the reason? Would I buy it again? No, due to the price and my dislike of their coloring practice. 3.0 out of 5.0. 43% ABV. Highland Park 19 Dimensions (Duncan Taylor) Lightest color in the group, similar to Pantone 130. The nose is shy, reluctantly revealing apples, honey, apricots, a cool eucalyptus note, and a medicinal quality that seems alcohol-related; it reminds me of the Hall’s honey-lemon cough drop aroma from Nikka Coffey Malt Whisky. Then, cocoa appears. The palate significantly amplifies the initial aromas and has some body. The transition to the finish brings noticeable spice, coffee, more cocoa, and very subtle, lasting smoke. This whisky needs time to reveal its complexities. It was a generous gift from a friend, so the question isn't if I'd buy it again, but if I'd buy it at all. It's around $225, if you can find it. It's a nice-to-have, not a must-have. It's great if you're not concerned about price, and I'm thankful to have it. I no longer have any Highland Park 18 for comparison. 4.0 out of 5.0. 52.7% ABV. Non-chill filtered. Distilled 6/1999; bottled 6/2018. Cask # 501104; Bottle # 236/352. The light color suggests no added coloring. Balvenie Portwood 21 Clear Pantone 153 color, identical to Bowmore 18. The nose is reserved, appearing subtly with notes that shift between port and deep chocolate, mocha, sandalwood, and honey. The palate slowly unfolds with more chocolate, nearly masking the alcohol. There's no real spice in the transition to the finish, which is long and chocolatey. Did I mention chocolate? Balvenie represents a classic whisky with a modern touch through its various cask finishes (rum, sherry, port). It blends tradition and modernity, leaning towards tradition with its poise and elegance. It shows confidence without needing to boast. The Portwood 21 aligns with this Balvenie philosophy. This whisky is expensive, around $300. Would I buy it again? I paid less when I purchased it, but if price were no object, yes. Balvenie Portwood 21 is intellectually engaging, partly due to its somewhat one-dimensional chocolate flavor, requiring thought to analyze. Or, you can simply enjoy a chocolate milkshake. 4.0 out of 5.0. 43% ABV. Kirkland Speyside Single Malt 22 (Alexander Murray) Darkest of the group, likely from sherry cask finishing. Clear Pantone 160. Obvious sherry aroma: toffee, chocolate, dates, strawberry preserves, and dark gingerbread. Intense Cracker Jack flavor. The palate is intensely flavorful, finishing long and sweet, with chocolate, peanut brittle, and a pleasant hint of sweet espresso with its underlying bitterness. Costco, the world's largest liquor seller, offers high-quality white-label products under its Kirkland brand, as seen here. Purists might scoff, but the value is undeniable. Who knows where Alexander Murray sourced this? Even if it didn't make the cut for its original distiller, it doesn't matter: how many excellent 22-year-old whiskies can you find for $80? Only this one. Would I buy it again? I don't think this bottling is available anymore, but I bought two, and this is the first. So, yes. Incredible value. 4.25 out of 5.0. 46% ABV. In terms of price, the Kirkland (Costco) was outstanding with its 22-year age and $80 price. The Highland Park and Balvenie bottlings were both excellent, for different reasons. The Bowmore was clearly inferior to the others, regardless of its Islay origin (I love Laphroaig and Lagavullin). I finished the tasting with one last small sip of each in quick succession, confirming my earlier assessments. The Bowmore remains unchanged; the Highland Park is the most robust and youthful; the Balvenie is rich and amazing; and the Kirkland is still very, very good. Note: All spirits were tasted neat in a Glencairn glass.

Thick, lingering legs after swirling, with initial lacing forming after ten minutes. It presents attractively, promising a satisfying drink. The aroma is rich and welcoming, though requires some effort to decipher. After extended time and repeated nosing, the general impression of "I like this, it smells great" eventually breaks down into specific components. Initially, notes of dark cocoa powder and Bing cherries emerge, followed by a shift towards a slightly earthy oolong tea and moss-covered seaside stones. The effort is worthwhile, and I'm pleased I didn't rush to tasting. Regarding the flavor, the nose suggests a deliberate approach, and the palate confirms this recommendation. The initial sip is rich, velvety, and slightly viscous, but not coating. Flavors of dark treacle, roasted walnuts, and toasted milk bread with a light sprinkle of demerara sugar are present. Salt appears mid-palate, moving away from sweetness and complementing the peat smoke to evoke a light pancetta character. The finish is clean and relatively brief, recalling the cherries from the aroma, a touch of dark cocoa, and allowing the salt to linger. While distinct from an aged Mortlach or Ledaig, the savory element offers a pleasant distinction, setting it apart from many otherwise good, acceptable, but largely forgettable, higher-aged whiskies at premium prices. I must note my initial tasting occurred at the Bowmore bar. The view of the bay from the large window might have disproportionately influenced my perception of the whisky in hand. However, I suspect that's partly marketing, which in this instance, was effective. I won't be purchasing another bottle as the value proposition isn't compelling for me. Nevertheless, I'll keep an eye out for it at bars.

Review #025 Type: single malt scotch Proof: 43% Comments: aged 18 years, ex-sherry and ex-bourbon Tasted after: Bowmore 15 Year Appearance (no score): Mahogany color. Swirling reveals a thick line sticking to the side of the glass, legs form quickly. Nose: 17/20 Vanilla, strawberry jam, rubber, and oranges. It’s hard to smell the peat smoke but you can tell it’s there. Palate: 36/40 The palate is surprisingly smokey given that it’s nearly non-existent on the nose. There’s also red currents, orange marmalade, a touch of honey, and a light saltiness Finish: 36/40 Nice long finish. Oak spice gives way to cinnamon and baking spices, a mild alcohol burn carries the spice along a long slow transition to ashes and smoke. With Water: A drop of water really brightens it up a bit by bringing out more citrus flavors. Total: 89/100 Final thoughts: Radically different than the 12 and 15 year but in a very good way, the bourbon casks seem to dominate the nose but the Spanish sherry influence rules the palate. Price: $160 Would recommend: yes Would buy: yes

Nose: An initial burst of burnt matchsticks gives way to sherry, orange zest and marmalade, mild tobacco, sea salt, and barrel spices. Palate: Slightly viscous and silky, mildly salty, semi-sweet, light orange marmalade, chocolate, stewed red fruits, tobacco, and barrel spices. Finish: Rather long, with an initial sulfurous blast, followed by peat, chocolate, sherry, and barrel spice notes. This bottle is now half-full (or half-empty, depending on your perspective). It still presents a challenge with each dram. The initial sulfurous burst is simply unappealing. As I linger with it, the more pleasant notes nearly take over and almost redeem the spirit, but the sulfur never completely vanishes. This leads me to rate it lower than I'd prefer. Even a second dram, with dulled senses, can't compensate for the sulfur. 7/11/24 Nearly two years have passed since my last tasting of this bottle. Time and oxidation have been beneficial. The sulfur is mostly gone, allowing the best characteristics to shine. A pleasant caramel note has emerged, but no new flavors have appeared. Increased rating by 1/4 point.

This is truly one of my most cherished drams. I let it breathe for 30 minutes, and new nuances emerged as it aerated. There's a great deal happening here. Roasted pork is noticeable, but only when I bring the nosing glass just outside the rim of my left nostril. On the palate, a surprising sweetness. It's spicy, but without heat. I'm not usually a fan of rye due to its intense spice, but the cinnamon and pepper here are both bold and gentle, making me feel secure and comforted. The finish offers fruit and floral notes. But hold on. That was just the initial tasting. Now the smoked meat has vanished. I'm not detecting any smoke. The nose presents as Japanese grape gummy candy. Soft, chewy, with a more genuine concord grape flavor than American candy. The pleasant spice on the palate persists, and a grape aftertaste with cardamom lingers. Update: I finished the dram and published the review. Then I realized mesquite smoke had permanently settled in my sinuses. My goodness, I could be content living like this forever.