Bowmore 19-Year French Oak Barrique
48.9% ABV - Islay, Scotland
Nose: Strong notes of mulled wine, blood orange, and pine smoke, with leather, dried fruit, and spices.
Taste: Smoked orange, orchard fruits, spices, cran-something fruit juice, and hibachi-style smoke.
Finish: Largely ending with dried fruit and smoke, there are light floral notes that lead to eucalyptus.
I have to admit that I feel not all Bowmore whiskies are good value for the flavour and taste—not a surprise to some whisky enthusiasts. I’m not sure what the retail price was at the distillery but this bottle cost $350 CAD to obtain from within the borders of Canada. I suppose at some point in the future inflation will have caught up and made this pricing somewhat reasonable… but I will always remember that I only paid $50 more for the 25-Year Small Batch!
The nose is quite fragrant, but there is complexity left off the table on the palate into the finish. I did share more of this bottle than I would have—I feel that some of my friends found greater joy in drinking it than I did. Don’t get me wrong, it’s still a great whisky. This Bowmore also represents a very unusual style (read the notes below!) and as much as I lament at the price, I am glad to have it.
Tasting Notes (Official): Meticulously matured for 19 years in first-fill ex-Château Lagrange French oak barriques, this liquid showcases a unique expression of Bowmore’s signature house style. Savour the depths of rich oak and sweet fruit with perfectly balanced layers of exotic spices, light peat and heather honey.
Tasted 18 April 2023. (Posted 29 October 2023.)
