Bowmore Black Rock

Nose: Warm, full-bodied, with smoke laced with toffee. A clear sherry undertone with brine, seaweed, and flinty minerals, evoking the seaside. [The scent in the dry glass resembles the aroma of a fireplace where cherry wood has been burned]. Palate: A gentle arrival of sweet smoke that is very mild and pleasant. It quickly develops into a full smoky character with a hint of iodine and wine sweetness, but then everything seems to dissipate and it rapidly fades into the finish. Finish: Short. Smoky, slightly briny, and dry, with a lingering smoky barbecue flavor. It's approachable and incredibly easy to drink. One could easily recommend this to newcomers as a first smoky whisky due to its excellent balance and accessibility. The drawback is that it fades incredibly quickly. The nose suggests a great deal, and the initial taste seems poised to deliver, but after a remarkably brief burst of flavor, it collapses and vanishes into thin air. The texture is also rather thin and watery. This could have been presented as a much richer and more powerful dram. At cask strength, it would have been comparable to a sherried Tempest, a truly remarkable 'black rock.' However, to its credit, it is a very enjoyable dram and would be an ideal gift for someone who appreciates smoky whiskies but finds most of them too intense. "Above Average": 80/100 (3 stars)

Deep amber hue. It's inviting! The aroma is sharp and fresh, carrying notes of salty sea air, lemon, and a MINIMAL amount of vanilla. It's barely perceptible, if present at all. The palate presents an alcoholic sting from young spirit, possibly with some impact from charred oak... it's sometimes difficult to distinguish the two. I detect that same vegetal taste I noticed in the 12 year old. You could claim this was aged in sherry casks, and I'd say I barely registered it. Overall, a lack of distinct character. The same can be said for the finish: quick and bland. A few drops of water diminish any charm this pour possesses, reducing it to a standard blended scotch. I'd advise skipping this particular bottling and starting with the 12 year old, or moving up to the 15 year old, which has been my preferred Bowmore thus far.

I didn't have high expectations, but I like it. It has the familiar rich, smoky, sherried, sea-salty barbecue flavor of Bowmore, and even some of the vegetal notes of Springbank. I enjoy it. The underlying spirit is a bit young, but the flavor compensates well. This is very inexpensive at $55 USD per liter or under $40 for a regular bottle. I'll give it a 4!

It's excellent, with a blend of peated and iodine characteristics. However, I would lean towards Laphroaig for its flavor balance and iodine notes, and I would definitely prefer a Lagavulin for its complexity and overall experience.

Typical smoky Bowmore aroma with savory nutty notes. On the palate, it's savory and peppery, then intensely peaty and slightly salty, but with a dull charcoal taste. The peat aroma persists and spreads.

Remarkably smooth, with no harshness. Lacking complexity. Aromas of malted barley and vanilla. Flavors of malted barley. The finish is brief, with vanilla appearing toward the end. Tasted at Bowmore Distillery on 7/26/2016