Bowmore x Aston Martin Golden & Elegant 15 Year

Bowmore partnered with Aston Martin for travel retail expressions, essentially the same whiskies (10, 15, and 18 year olds) but with a fancier Aston Martin label to attract fans. This Golden & Elegant Aston Martin 1939 Atom, 43% ABV, is that same whisky. The car it represents was a concept vehicle, very light for its era, hence the name "the atom". On the nose: burnt hay, fondant, and meringue. There's definite salt. An "aromatic peat with infused lemon" note is present. Very appealing grassy peat. Quite perfumed. On the palate: very enjoyable. Slightly acidic; peaty and earthy. Citric meringue. Vanilla, hints of coconut, and a very clean honey note. Aftertaste: very good. Nice smokiness. Cigarettes, puffs of smoke. Very enjoyable and easily drinkable. Hay. Stable. Newspaper ashes. Overall, it's always good to sample a dram a few years later and observe its evolution from its original flavors and aromas. While they might seem the same, I actually believe this 15-year-old Golden and Elegant has improved over the years. I've also developed a better palate for Bowmore's standard expressions. The new packaging is beautiful and earns the attention it's receiving. My rating: 87 out of 100.

Notes of oak, a hint of sherry, and a touch of iodine and mossy peat. The taste is unusual, a sharp impact that softens into tart lemon, wine tannins, vibrant and effervescent, with a subdued baking spice. Unique, strange, a celebration contained within.