Bowmore 15 Year (c. early 2000s)
Whisky: Bowmore 15 Year (c. early 2000s)
Country/Region: Scotland/Islay
ABV: 43%
Cask: Oak
Age: 15 Years
Nose: Coastal, floral, citrus, beach sand, metallic at times, surfboard wax, charred wood.
Palate: Light-bodied, beachy and soft, floral, citrus, coastal brine, tropical fruits, metallic, sea shells.
Finish: Medium-length with a the sandy mineral brine of high tide, hibiscus tea, and hints of sakura cakes.
Score: 6-7 (81)
Mental Image: Skipping Class to Build Sandcastles
Narrative & Notes: Coastal and floral, the aroma spoke to a cloudy morning sitting on the beach with cool sand and sea shells, soft brine, and the citrusy floral quality of jabong (pomelo) or canned Hawaiian sun orange juice (a slightly artificial orange drink). Morning glories and naupaka along the sea shore melted into surfboard wax, hot car interiors, and charred driftwood. More subtle fresh coconut water and mandarin oranges belatedly joined the party. Light-bodied, the profile was soft and beachy, still with plenty of floral hibiscus tea and jabong to be enjoyed on a beach blanket with soft salty air and canned orange or guava juice. A kiss of peppery minerality and citrusy mandarin oranges provided some sharpness, while sea shells and rusted tin filtered in toward the end. The finish was medium-length with a the sandy mineral brine of high tide, hibiscus tea, and hints of sakura cakes.
I adore beachy-floral whiskies and Bowmore is a great place to find them. They often remind me of simpler days— when morning beach adventures felt a short car ride away, and some of the most beautiful stretches of sand and hidden alcoves were not so overrun with tourists. I loved the early morning period, before the sun had really hit the sand, when the brine and mineral quality of the air was softer, and more of the coastal plants released their floral scent. I know those beaches were likely never as empty as I remember, or those days as sweet and carefree, but such is the nature of nostalgia.
Overall, I enjoyed the flavors here— though I have become partial to semi-floral whiskies. I wish the profile were a bit sturdier and heftier, especially carrying onto the finish. Occasionally it turned a touch a bitter, like over-steeped tea, or even slightly chemical, though never with any truly distracting consistency.
