Bowmore 17 Year (2004) SMWS “Time Travellers”
Whisky: Bowmore 17 Year (2004) SMWS “Time Travellers”
Country/Region: Scotland/Islay
ABV: 57%
Cask: 2nd Fill Bourbon Hogsheads
Age: 17 Year (Distilled 16 Feb. 2004)
Nose: Tropical, maritime, subtle creamy fruits, guava candies, white pepper, clams in white wine, butter.
Palate: Medium-bodied and buttery, citrus, brine, cream, overripe guava, grilled pineapple rings, mango, hints of charred fruit, salty-mineral sea breeze, shave ice syrups with a cream top.
Finish: Medium to long with tropical fruits, cream, and maritime notes.
Score: 7
Mental Image: Shave Ice in the Shade
Narrative & Notes: Subtle and pleasant, the aroma was full of tropical vibes: salty maritime air, tropical citrus, creamy pineapple soft serve, soursop, honey, and guava candies. Mineral and salt built with moules frites under a big umbrella— salty air, clams, butter, and white wine. The palate was medium-bodied and stuffed with tropical fruits such as overripe guava, passion fruit syrup, and grilled pineapples dazzled the taste buds. Hints of ash and charred fruit flesh appeared between sweet, creamy mango soft serve and maritime salt. The finish was medium to long with cream, tropical fruits, and subtle maritime brine.
This Bowmore was featured in SMWS’s 2022 Festival lineup as one of two representatives for Islay. It was delicious, and my enjoyment of the whisky increased every time I sat down with it to have a few sips and jot down some notes. It was one of the most popular drams during a summer festival tasting our local whisky club put on. However, the price was far too steep— over $300 with tax and shipping. Despite not being a single cask, it was a vatting of several Bowmore sibling casks, and being a smaller bottle (700 instead of 750 ml), it was about 30% more expensive than similar releases (i.e., sibling casks that came out before or after).
Overall, a good Bowmore but not a good value. I love the aesthetic of the bottle art, but there are better options from SMWS and other independent bottlers— even with the extra premium Bowmore commands.