Bowmore Vault Edition Second Release Peat Smoke

The nose doesn't have a lot of peat smoke; it's more marine and vegetal, with a strong sweet and fruity component: apricot tart, ripe pear, milk chocolate, vanilla, marshmallow. It has a very humid aroma, almost like undergrowth, evoking the image of a warehouse with walls soaked in ocean water. As you continue, the smoke becomes more apparent, with (obviously) wet and burnt wood. The palate stays true to the bottle's name, with wooden ashes filling the mouth, always with a strong moist and vegetal character. It's oily and full, and the alcohol content adds a spicy note that complements the harmonies of red fruits and chopped hazelnuts, salted butter, and dried dates. A slight medicinal note lingers in the background. The finish is medium-long and medicinal, with ash, salt, toasted wood, and chocolate. This whisky is focused on its namesake, with the smoke present but not overwhelming, effectively representing the spirit of Bowmore without particular sharpness. Considering its relatively low price, especially compared to the first release, this is a whisky worth trying.

I spotted a new whisky for my collection at my older brother's home bar and, naturally, I opened it. This was the Bowmore Vault Edition Second Release, bottled at 50.1% ABV. On the nose, I get the typical Bowmore honeyed peat, thick caramel, and some tangerine citrus. The palate was all about pepper, salt, and spices like cardamom. Honey. The aftertaste was very smoky. Rich puffs of smoke and very salty. After a few sips, it followed the rhythm of honey, milk, and salt. Overall, this was a very balanced and enjoyable Bowmore expression, perhaps too easy to drink for a 50.1% ABV dram, which makes it wonderfully dangerous. My score for it is 88 out of 100.

Nose: Initially greeted by a light, aromatic campfire smoke with herbal undertones. Followed by scents of leather and medium-toasted bread. Fruit notes emerge, primarily cherries, evoking root beer or Dr. Pepper. Taste: Medicinal smoke hits immediately, with rubbery and tar-like notes. The initial sweetness of cherry and light herbs gives way to a bitter dark chocolate, reminiscent of a Cherry Blossom candy. Finish: A very long-lasting finish with persistent smoke and creamy chocolate.

The aroma is mild and fruity with gentle peat. It has a fresh wooden fire smoke but comes across quite sweet. The nose isn't very strong but is very inviting and smooth. The palate is similarly pleasing. A foundational sweetness is complemented by a light, leathery smokiness. Later, notes of plums, canned pineapple, and floral blossoms emerge. Very enjoyable, though still a bit sharp.

Aroma is fairly faint, some oak and maybe a hint of iodine, but hard to pick out. Flavor is much stronger, a tidal wave of wood and spice. Touch of peat to round it out, but excellent balance and fire. Medium to heavy richness to carry all the flavor. Exactly what you want a whiskey to be.

Nose: Big cherry, tar, permanent marker, smoke, light peat, and various herbs. Palate: Begins sweet with mint, strong cherry, and dark chocolate (70%+). Feels oily. Finish: Cherry blossom candy notes with a creamy, long finish. The flavor changes after swallowing. Hints of salt.