Bowmore No. 1

At The Oak Barrel in Sydney on June 26th, 2019, we sampled whisky number one from Bowmore. The initial scents were faint lemon and sea salt, followed by subtle vanilla and grain notes, mingling with a delicate hint of smoke. While one could call it understated, it felt weak to me, lacking presence. A disappointing aroma of cardboard or unfinished wood lingered in the background. The taste mirrored the nose, starting with mild salt and citrus, a touch of peat, and then dry grain flavors. The same woody, particleboard-like character reappeared, accompanied by more saltiness, and the dryness became unpleasantly tart and tannic. Adding water brought some sweetness and balance but also introduced a soapy note, and the liquid was easily overpowered. The mouthfeel was rather flat. The finish was extremely brief. One moment the flavors were gently receding, and the next, they were gone. This profile is typical for Bowmore, but this particular bottling seems subdued and lacking energy, as if it were overly diluted. It's a straightforward, almost generic, malt; while it doesn't have overtly bad qualities, it also lacks anything particularly noteworthy. It presents cleanly and freshly, but frankly, for the cost, superior options exist. "Average": 78/100 (2.75 stars)

Named No.1, this Bowmore pays tribute to a renowned vault within the distillery, which is reportedly the oldest on Islay. Bowmore is indeed the oldest operational distillery on Islay, established in 1779. Bowmore isn't my preferred distillery from the world's most famous whisky isle; I actually think it's not very peaty and most of its releases are just standard. This expression is bottled at 40% ABV and has a light gold color. On the nose, it's a typical Bowmore matured in American white oak. Saddle, coffee, coconut, burnt tires, horse stable, scorched hay, latex, muscle rub, men's room. On the palate, it's coconut water. It's astonishing how spot-on this coconut water note is. The issue here is that it's far too thin and watery. Barley and... a dollar bill. It tastes like licking currency. (You know how it tastes, even if you haven't licked a dollar bill). The finish slightly falters. Chemicals, sawdust, and an ashtray. The finish is light and brief. Overall, I think this whisky starts wonderfully, with a great aroma, but the palate fails to live up to the nose's promise, and the aftertaste doesn't achieve a respectable score. It's not a bad drink; you can certainly find better value for your money, (though this bottle isn't very pricey). My rating is 77 out of 100.

My assessment is based on the price I paid (£20 versus the RRP of about £32). The 12-year-old, especially when discounted, is a solid, everyday option. The spirit is comforting and pleasant, with just enough smoke to keep enthusiasts engaged. I enjoy it. The other expression is similar but far less satisfying. The aroma is unremarkable. There's a little smoke and a hint of vanilla. The taste presents peat upfront, followed by vanilla and a general sweetness. Not much else develops. The lingering taste returns to smoke, with a touch of young alcohol sharpness (it's non-age-statement). Then... it simply concludes. This is a mild spirit designed to be broadly appealing, and it achieves that goal. Most people will find it enjoyable. The other expression is a suitable introduction to Islay whiskies. I would have been unhappy had I paid the higher price.

I secured this for about $26, so it was a good buy, though I wasn't anticipating an outstanding experience. The aroma presents subtle peat smoke, vanilla, salty sea notes, wood characteristics, and floral hints. The mouthfeel is thin, and the 40% ABV is somewhat disappointing. However, the taste is good, especially considering the price. Milk chocolate, maritime saltiness, vanilla, honey, a hint of wood, and peat smoke are also on the palate. It's not mind-blowing, but certainly a very nice, affordable, everyday sipper. It scores a 3.0, and the theme will be "Sailing" by Christopher Cross. It's not typically sold in the USA, but it warrants consideration.

Nose: lime, seaweed, smoky peat, and new leather. Palate: more lime and leather, plus apricot, iodine, and abundant pine. Smooth feel; extended finish. A bit of a burn, but it fades fast. 3.50/5.00 – Impressive (neat)

Not bad, but it's light. It doesn't stay on the palate for very long. It smells of alcohol, though you don't taste it as strongly. Slightly lemony. A good choice for a weekday drink. Assessed during a Bowmore evening with a friend in July 2020.