Whisky: Bowmore 15 Year, Fèis Ìle 2022

Country/Region: Scotland/Islay

ABV: 54.7%

Cask: First Fill Bourbon

Age: 15 (Bottled 2022)

Nose: Mellow tinned tropical fruits and shave-ice syrups— blue raspberry, vanilla, and lychee; hints of a car park or an industrial cannery appeared between coconut, rattan, and weathered driftwood; hibiscus and herbal tea teased at the edges.

Palate: Medium-bodied, dirty tropical fruits, lychee and pineapples in syrup, subtle plasticine and industrial notes sat behind the fruits, earth and overripe passionfruit; menthol and herbal hibiscus tea toward the end.

Finish: Medium to long with herbal tea and a touch of coconut jam.

Score: 8 (86)

Mental Image: Cannery Crumpet Break

Narrative & Notes: I initially tried this blind and had no idea what it could be. The tropical fruit notes tickled at my memories, but beyond Longmorn or maybe Glenburgie, I was not sure where to turn. Glen Garioch? None of those would have shocked me— nor would Littlemill or some closed distillery. I felt as though if I spent enough time I could eventually figure it out, but I chose to shoot from the hip and go with Longmorn.

After I sent my notes and guess to a friend, they revealed that it was the 15-Year Bowmore bottled for Fèis Ìle 2022. It all clicked into place after the reveal— the tropical fruits, the mellow industrial quality, the herbal tea— these are all elements present on the various 2004 Bowmore SMWS has released.  Those have largely been excellent, and this fell in a very similar vein: the quintessential mellow tropical Bowmore.

Overall, delightful and delicious.

Image Credit: Scotch Whisky Auctions