Bowmore Cask Strength

Bowmore is recognized as one of Islay's most premium brands, not just for the whisky itself, but for the collectibility and potential future value of its special releases. I typically find Bowmore to be more 'earthy' than overtly smoky. This is the Cask Strength expression, which generally encapsulates all the distillery's flavors and aromas. Bottled at 56% ABV with a copper color. The nose presents a beautiful aromatic peat profile. It's spicy and full of red fruits, reminiscent of a rye whisky. Medicinal, hospital, red fruits, and chili notes are present. After a few seconds, an incredible butter cookie note emerges. Upon tasting, the aroma shifts to cigarettes and ash. Vanilla cream, and rum and raisin ice cream are detected. Further nosing revealed caramel, prunes, sea water, and sawdust. Herbal notes are also present. The palate is very "red." Red fruits, red spices. Chili, cherries in syrup, acidic prunes. It tastes precisely like Hershey's strawberry syrup. Pepper and vanilla are also noted. The finish is medium-long and very pleasant. Tobacco, cigar leaf, hay, salt, and sulfur. Ginger. Full of ash, it has a slightly scorching quality that is appealing. Hay-like peat is present. Overall, this is a superb, well-balanced single malt; remarkably fruity and spicy for a Bowmore. The peat is pleasant, though I always desire a bit more. A very fine offering, I could consider this an everyday dram for a Cask Strength enthusiast. My score is 89 out of 100.