First thing to note is that this bottle is available almost everywhere and it comes at a very affordable price - currently £28 on amazon and at sainsburys. It’s not much more than my current favourite cheap shelf fillers - the likes of bowmore 12, aberlour 10 and old pultney 12. So let’s see how it fares.
Nose Caramel and malt, very much like tea wafers (caramel and soft wafer). Cloves are present but not dominant. Along with pine nuts and sweet corn. Finally a dry charred wood and dried tobacco balances all that sweetness.
Palate Very sweet upfront which I identify as caramel with a suggestion of roast pine nuts, jasmine and a dash of fresh ginger. A certain dryness comes from an oaky barrel influence.
Finish Sweet and dry at the same time. Caramel, tobacco and sweet corn dominate. Whilst bitter english tea lingers somewhere unseen. A long and thick finish.
In conclusion I would have to say that this is a dram I will be seeking out again. Its balance between sweet and dry is achieved with almost perfect execution. And though it is definitely not complex, it makes up for that by delivering the flavours it does have well. It’s a well defined whiskey that knows what it wants to be. A real contender for top “daily dram” considering the price.
Slaínte
@RianC sounds like a plan to me !
I would point you to a review at this point but apparently I haven’t done one ! Shocking stuff!
Honestly at £30ish I think the Bowmore represents great value. The peat profile is very different to the Laphroaigs and Ardbegs of this world, presenting as the scent from an ageing bonfire. And the sweet notes are all orchard fruits, think green apples and oranges from what I can remember. A little low abv but despite that sombering fact, I’d imagine you’ll find it hard not to enjoy it once opened.
I picked one up recently after clocking the price drop but it remains unopened. I really enjoyed my last bottle although 91 may have been a tad high in retrospect. I liked the sweet and dry balance as well and found it to be a very 'chewable' bourbon.