Bowmore 14 Year Old 1999 Mashmen’s Selection

In 2008 a wonderful animal of a whisky was released as the Bowmore Maltmen’s Selection, although it carried a hefty price tag of 300 EUR (for a 13 Year Old whisky). So what to think of the successor, this 14 Year Old Mashmen’s Selection that is only available at the distillery. Will it be equally good? Only half as many bottles were filled and you will need to go to Islay to pick one up. Luckily Gordon Dundas carried a bottle when we met him in Belgium.

The nose is very sweet, but also rather grainy. One actually smells the mash, which may have prompted the name. I get a lot of fruit in the shape of juicy peaches and toffee apples. That is wonderfully dressed up in sweet peat and citrus. Soft smoke. Caramel and vanilla are present. Then some hazelnuts and the picture is complete. Adding water makes it sweeter still!

It is creamy and fruity but very spicy on the palate. Nutmeg, ginger and a hefty helping of pepper. The salt is negligible; this is first and foremost a sweet Bowmore. Caramel precedes orchard and stone fruits. The oak whispers, keeping it wonderfully juicy and sweet. It does not need water, but should you add a few drops, better buckle up for a sugary sweet Bowmore!

The finish is long and almost as sweet as candy. Certainly with water.

Very nice Bowmore, but oh, so dangerously quaffable. If I ever get to Islay, I would certainly pass by Bowmore to pick up one of these beauties. I do not know the price, but last saw it change hands at an online auction for around 200 EUR.

Find where to buy Bowmore whisky