Bowmore Small Batch

Bowmore Small Batch was discontinued a few years ago. To be honest, this is the only reason I picked it up. Otherwise, this 40% single malt lacked any distinguishing characteristics to justify a purchase. Let's see if Bowmore was correct in removing this from their lineup. Nose: Ashy peat and sea salt. Rubber and candlewax. Seaweed and turf. Vanilla and honey. A nice hint of mint chocolate, caramel, and fudge. Maybe some grape. Sounds appealing, but it's a little unfocused. Also superficial. Not bad, but not thrilling. Palate: Vanilla, honey, and caramel. A touch of earthy peat and smoke. Ash. Black pepper, grapefruit, and lemon. It leans toward the bitter. A hint of iodine. There's a sun-dried tomato note that I detect in many younger peated malts. Salted pretzel and hookah. Similar to the nose, it has good components, but isn't cohesive and doesn't stand out in any particular aspect. Finish: Black pepper, cinnamon, and soft pretzel. Lime and grapefruit. Towards the end, it's all rubber. Short. Unremarkable. Which brings me to my score. 2.25. Was Bowmore wrong to discontinue this one? No. It's an unremarkable whisky that fails to make an impact. Here in the States, there are many bourbons that are cheaper and considerably better. There are Scotches I can buy today that are significantly better at the same price. Honestly, Bowmore 12 will cost me an extra 11 bucks and is vastly superior to this. With all that being said, I'm not unhappy with my purchase. I have here a small piece of Islay history. And hey, it's drinkable. This is spilled milk. There's no use in regretting the fact that you won't be able to drink it.

The extreme cold weather keeps making me want smoky drinks. I bought this to see if a quality Islay malt could be found for under $40. Smoke and some fruit on the nose. A touch of salt. Full-bodied texture. On the palate, there's spice and a hint of vanilla, a hint of citrus, a hint of sea air; the key descriptor is "hint." It's all overpowered by an unpleasant burnt charcoal smoke. Not like a campfire at all. Caramelized sugar on the finish, but it turns sour. It just seems young and unfinished, I won't buy it again. The Glasgow blend from Great King St. offers better value at this price.

This resembles the younger sibling of Ardbeg 10, meaning, what I imagine Ardbeg might taste like if it were released early. The nose has coal-smoked Golden Delicious apples. The palate continues with crisp, grilled apples, prepared with herbs and spices: oregano, salt, pepper, and Vietnamese cinnamon, and a closing tone of burnt pecan wood. The finish is a lingering taste of charred wood and burnt sugar beneath a layer of warm pepper sauce. After a little time to breathe, the texture becomes oilier, the edges of the spice and charred wood soften, and they integrate better with the herb, spice, malt, and smoke.

A welcome surprise. The nose is easily appreciated with a medium amount of delicious peat (more island-style, like smoldering twigs of cedar rather than a swamp gas fire). Also a slightly vegetal note, akin to roasted Brussels sprouts. The palate is crisp and fruity before a splash of salt spray washes over you, somewhat unrefined and jumbled. The finish is intense, hot and direct (short), though a sweet charcoal note lingers to provide comfort. It resembles the blend Black Bottle. A sample kindly provided by my friend Rob, his contribution to our recent whisky tasting. Once the glass is dry: a beach bonfire.

Magnificent! We adore the Bowmores, and this one truly pushes boundaries. This bottle contains multitudes, much like the Scottish islands constantly battling the immense power of the ocean. The initial sensation is invigorating, followed by a comforting warmth, perfect after a challenging day in the cold and wet. A great weight lifts from your shoulders, signifying a moment of pure enjoyment.

I was pleasantly surprised by this No Age Statement bottling. I enjoy Bowmore 12, so my expectations weren't high for this one. First off, it doesn't present as young. The nose offers light honey, fruit, and spice with very faint peat. The palate is a bit muddled. Perhaps it's my expectation of the 12-year-old, but it's quite enjoyable. Similar to the nose but with a pleasant warmth, not from alcohol. It lacks bitterness. Sweetness prevails with a salty, spicy, short to medium finish. The price is also excellent.