DISTILLERY FOCUS: BOWMORE

Peat is a very distinctive flavour in the whisky world, and peated smoky whisky from Islay is a favourite of many. Established in 1779, Bowmore is the oldest distillery on Islay. Renowned for its timeless craftsmanship, Bowmore artfully blends tradition with innovation, creating exceptional single malts that embody the spirit of Islay. The distillery has been using traditional floor malting, where the malt is hand-turned on a regular basis and the temperature of the malt is constantly monitored, reflecting a heritage of craftsmanship. They mature whiskies in carefully selected casks, resulting in balanced flavours and elegant smokiness. 

Bottled by Blackadder, Bowmore 15 Years captures the rugged beauty and serenity of winter, delivering a complex layered and warming flavour. The earthy aroma of freshly laid tarmac and ozone is accompanied by over-ripe pear and charred oak. The palate is sweet and fruity, with tarmac and oak flavours persisting. The finish has soft tannins that are perfectly balanced by the sweetness of the ripe pears.

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Bottled by Cadenhead’s, this Bowmore 17 Years is really creamy and oily, with paraffin smoke, lime pickle and petrol lawnmowers on the nose. On the palate, dry smoke gives way to initially sour apples then becomes creamier with gooseberries and liquorice. At the finish, oily smoke and fruit - a classic!

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A.D. Rattray's vintage cask collection series represents the very finest in their portfolio. The casks have been selected from some of Scotland's most respected distilleries and are bottled at vintages rarely found. This Bowmore was distilled in 1989 and matured in a Sherry Hogshead for 28 years. Bottled in 2017 with only 182 bottles. On the nose, it's full of strawberry jam, raisins, crispy duck and smoke. On the palate, Crêpes Suzette, fruit cake and earthiness. At the finish, long dry wood smoke with a perfect balance of sweet and savoury.

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This 33-year-old whisky has been finished in Cognac casks to enhance its floral bouquet with citrus and herbal notes. Scattered with violet petals, mint and lavender, this is Islay like you’ve never seen her before. Journey past rough seas, rocky shores and windswept hills to find a treasure trove of wildflower fields – an Isle of Violets.

On the nose, intensely floral, with Parma Violet drops and jasmine. Clean notes of furniture polish, lemon peel and laundry drying on the breeze contrast with the smoky character of burning sage. On the palate, an alpine garden in the summer. Soft violet petals mingle with woody and resinous notes of juniper, pine and rosemary. Champagne cocktails with pink grapefruit juice and rose syrup are served in the afternoon sunshine. At the finish, fresh vegetal notes of dried mint, eucalyptus, rosemary and coriander leaf are sweetened by lavender perfume and candied fennel seeds.

Shop Now: Islay Violets 33 Years