Bowmore Single Malt Scotch Whisky

The Bowmore Whisky story

It is unknown when exactly the Bowmore Distillery was founded. The earliest mentions of the distillery were from 1779; however, local archivists suggest distilling began in Bowmore almost ten years earlier. Regardless, the Bowmore Distillery remains the oldest on Islay and Scotland’s second oldest overall.

Generations of owners, distillers and maltmen have shaped the history of this brand. In 1779, local merchant David Simson invested in a freshwater supply from the river Laggan, improving the whisky’s quality. Then, in 1837, William and James Mutter greatly expanded the distillery from a small artisan operation to the thriving commercial company it is today.

The distillery passed through four other owners until 1963, when it was purchased by the Morrison family. Under their ownership, the Morrisons used the legend of the Seadragon as an important symbol in the brand’s story, featuring it heavily in future releases of Bowmore single malt whisky.

As you can see, each new owner of the distillery adds another chapter to its rich history and heritage.

What does the name Bowmore mean?

Bowmore is named after the town where the distillery is located. The name itself is derived from the Gaelic Bogh Mòr, meaning big bow or big bend, in reference to the shape of the bay the town overlooks.

What type of whisky is Bowmore?

Bowmore is a single malt Scotch whisky which means it is produced at one single distillery using malted barley.

Read more about Scotch in our Guide to Scotch Whisky: What is it?

Bowmore Whisky labels

Here are some Bowmore labels to savour:

• Bowmore 12-Year-Old: A classic label, the 12-Year-Old will captivate your senses and leave a lasting impression.
• Bowmore 15-Year-Old: The 15-Year-Old is matured first in bourbon barrels and then in Oloroso casks, imparting the flavours of sherry into the Scotch to create a rich, deep colour and robust palate.
• Bowmore 18-Year-Old: One of Bowmore’s rarest and most exceptional Scotch, the 18-Year-Old is slowly matured in the finest, hand-selected oak casks to produce the most delicious single malt imaginable.
• Bowmore 22-Year-Old Aston Martin Masters: Created by the teamwork of Ron Welsh, Master Blender and Marek Reichman, Chief Creative Officer, this single malt reflects the unity between two seemingly disparate partners in its harmonised presence and character.
• Bowmore 25-Year-Old: This wonderful batch is matured in American bourbon and Spanish sherry casks, combining the sweetness of Sherry with the coastal, smoky distillery style to create a sublime aged single malt.
• Bowmore Small Batch Reserve: Exclusively matured in first- and second-fill ex-bourbon casks, then blissfully married together, the Small Batch exhibits the best qualities of both.

What does Bowmore Whisky taste like?

Each Bowmore label has a distinctive bouquet and flavour profile. All of them will conjure up images of the Scottish coastline with a single sip.

Bowmore 12-Year-Old

There is a campfire smoke aroma with orange zest, a dash of lemon, and fresh-cut hay. The palate is lightly sweet with burning incense, peat, sea spray, and vanilla, while the finish is long and smoky.

Bowmore 15-Year-Old

The aroma is dark and punchy, with notes of sherry, juicy Corinth raisins, spices, creamy mochaccino, and sweet dates. The palate is rich, woody, smoky, and syrupy, with notes of pine oil, creamy toffee, and malt. It ends with a spicy toffee, sherry, and barley aftertaste.

Bowmore 18-Year-Old

The bouquet has that classic Bowmore smokiness, perfectly tempered with creamy caramel, chocolate, and ripe fruit aromas. The palate is comprised of beautiful soft fruit and chocolate balanced with a light smokiness. The finish is long and wonderfully balanced.

Bowmore 22-Year-Old Aston Martin Masters

The master-crafted single malt begins with a sweet and fruity bouquet of heather honey and vanilla with subtly cherry notes. It progresses into a rich, sweet palate with malty-spicy notes of vanilla fudge. The aftertaste is sweet and woody with notes of liquorice sticks they deliver a spicy feeling.

Bowmore 25-Year-Old

The bouquet is slightly herbal, with notes of dark fruits and coastal smokiness. The flavour has that characteristic peat smoke with cocoa tones and dry, creamy nuttiness. The finish has notes of gentle smoke, oak, mocha, and hints of prunes.

Bowmore Small Batch Reserve

The bouquet has notes of vanilla fudge, sea air, and peat smoke, beautifully balanced by honeycomb and cinnamon spice. The taste has tones of mouth-watering citrus, gentle saltiness, and vanilla with flakes of coconut. The aftertaste has wispy smoke, bourbon vanilla, and lime.

Is Bowmore a smoky whisky?

Yes. Bowmore is known for its smoky, sea-salt and tropical fruits character.

Food pairings

Dark chocolate, seafood, and smoked or grilled meat can wonderfully complement the classic Bowmore smokiness. Spicy foods are another good choice, especially for the peaty-flavoured Bowmore 25-Year-Old.

Alternatively, a Bowmore Scotch goes well with a cheese platter, as its smoky flavours will balance out the creamy cheeses while also complementing sharp cheeses with its spice notes.

How do you drink Bowmore?

Drink Bowmore the way you drink all Scotch whiskies:

• Neat: Recommended for beginners, this simply involves pouring your Bowmore into a glass at room temperature. Sipping it slowly will help you appreciate the subtler flavours.
• On the rocks: For those who prefer a less intense taste experience, consider pouring or stirring your Bowmore over ice. The slowly melting water and chilliness will even enhance certain flavours.
• With a splash of water: Adding a few drops of water to your Bowmore Whisky can expand its flavours and aromas, making them more pronounced.
• In a cocktail: Try mixing your Bowmore with ginger ale for a spicy and smoky Highland Breeze.

Buy Bowmore Whisky today!

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