A while ago a friend mentioned that the Bowmore 15 Years Laimrig was one of his favourite whiskies. Now I had heard good things about it before, but up until that point had never felt compelled to investigate further. Turns out, I should have, because it is fucking really good. Even more so considering it was once very affordable.
It’s long sold out and you’ll be lucky to find a bottle of this final batch for a decent price. The Bowmore 15 Years Laimrig first matured in ex-bourbon casks, before a final finish of about a year in Oloroso sherry casks. Also, it’s bottled at a high strength.
Bowmore 15 Years Laimrig (54.1%, OB, Batch 4)
Nose: Soft barbecue smoke, bacon and an abundance of sherry influence. There’s plums, raisins, figs and a big amount of tobacco leaves, as well as creamy custard. Big whisky!
Taste: The tropical fruitiness of the Bowmore spirit still shines despite the heavy cask influence, which is an incredible testament to the highs that Bowmore’s spirit can reach. The palate offers more of the same elements I already mentioned on the nose, but there’s also a gentle spiciness that lifts the entire whisky, as well as oranges and milk chocolate.
Finish: A continuation. Long.
Score: 90
The spirit is enhanced by the oak, rather than overwhelmed. The Bowmore Laimrig is just fantastic whisky that makes me incredibly happy, but also a bit sad when thinking of the original retail price. I guess that’s the plight of the modern whisky drinker.
Photo: The Whisky Exchange
