Bowmore 2000 The Golden Cask 16-Year
59.2% ABV - Islay, Scotland
Nose: Sweet mesquite smoke, notes of tropical fruits, with citrus, candied ginger, and spices. Slight heat from the alcohol.
Taste: Tropical fruits, smokehouse ham, peppercorn and smoke…
Finish: Beautiful transition to sweet fruits, candied orange, pineapple tang, and lasting smoke and spice.
Many of the bottles I have on the shelf come with a fun story about acquisition, and this Bowmore is no exception! From one enthusiast to another, I bought this bottle from a friend of a friend. The Golden Cask, a line of whiskies from the House of MacDuff, is not sold in Canada (that I know of), and I think this particular bottle had been sourced in Germany.
It’s not my favourite Bowmore by any stretch, but I love the opportunity to taste a single cask release. There is always so much more to explore than the standard "distillery character" and single casks are often the best ticket for that. Tasted blind, and if I were given the hint that this is an Islay single malt, then I may have possibly (incorrectly) guessed that this was a Laphroaig!
Details: Cask CM232. 234 bottles. Distilled 2000, Bottled 2016.
Tasting Notes (Official): Nose: Salty and slightly estery. Tangy with a hint of smoke. Palate: the ozone prevails. Slight hint of nuts and salt - dry. Finish: Medium - long. Aftertaste: Long.
Tasted 3 December 2023. (Posted 8 February 2024.)
