Bowmore 100 Degrees Proof
57.1% ABV - Islay, Scotland
Nose: A touch subdued, with an intriguing mechanic smoke that’s hard to pin down. It’s not your typical Bowmore peat but has a more industrial, gritty edge to it.
Taste: A nice balance of wood spices and a light fruity undertone. The flavours are subtle but well-integrated, leaning more towards a refined, straightforward profile.
Finish: Fresh wood notes emerge, accompanied by a hint of tropical beach—complete with fruits and florals that linger.
One of my favourite ways to explore a whisky is through side-by-side comparisons. This time, I’m tasting the Bowmore 100 Degrees Proof right after a pour of the Master’s Selection Edition 1, which definitely helped me pick out more subtle nuances.
I picked up this bottle from Scotch Whisky Auctions for about $160 CAD (including shipping and fees), and I think it’s great value for what it offers. I’m always a fan of cask strength (or near cask strength) Bowmore—these kinds of releases, as my friend Blair would say, are "as rare as hen’s teeth!"
This whisky’s profile reminds me of a more potent version of the Bowmore 12-Year. While it’s a Non-Age Statement (NAS) release, I’d be surprised if it had too much age on it—likely in the 6-8 year range. That said, there could be some older whisky blended in, with a much younger component lowering the overall impression of maturity. Either way, it’s a treat to taste.
Note: I decided to experiment with GPT-4o to help refine this review after training it with some of my previous ones.
Details: Travel Retail Edition. Bottled in 2012.
Tasting Notes (Official): On the eye rich auburn. Breathe in fresh sea air, subtle sweet malt and oak smoke. Sip rich luscious smokiness, balanced with sweet caramelised sugar, vanilla and citrus notes. Savour the powerful, fulsome, warming finish.
Tasted 25 September 2024. (Posted 4 October 2024.)
