Younger Bowmore is now sparingly hitting the (Dutch) market again, and I find that one of the more exciting whisky developments of recent years. Sounds like hyperbole? Maybe it is, but it certainly isn’t if you like Bowmore. The latest release is a Bowmore 2014 10 Years bottled by Douglas Laing for Whiskybase.
A quick look at Whiskybase reveals that we mainly have to thank Douglas Laing for this mini-renaissance of young independently bottled Bowmore. They’re the only ones who seem to own any stock of young Bowmore (and are willing to release it). Earlier this year we saw two of their casks hitting the market through retailer Gall & Gall (sort of a Dutch The Whisky Shop, except they sell all kinds of liquor).
We’re still a long way from affordable independent Bowmore becoming commonplace again. In the early 2010s one was released after the other. Now it’s mostly just the expensive and hyper-exclusive Bowmore dominating the market. But at least Douglas Laing is giving us some hope again.
This Bowmore 2014 10 Years matured in a refill cask and could initially be preordered by Whiskybase Plus members before the remaining few bottles went on sale to a wider audience.
Bowmore 2014 10 Years (61.6%, Douglas Laing for Whiskybase, C# DL17954)
Nose: Thick. Honeyed with ripe bananas, meringues, vanilla cake and a drizzle of lemon. There’s just a tinge of wet pebbles too, alongside lime stone, sardines, powdered sugar and dragon fruit. The smoke is so delicate that I hesitate to even mention it. Either way, it’s telling I’ve not brought it up earlier.
Taste: Just what you’d hope for. Except with a richer mouthfeel than I’m used to from Bowmore. Hints of damp oak, charred lemon, a pinch of salt and phenols. There’s a touch of eucalyptus, but also grapefruit, ripe pineapple and a pinch of white pepper.
Finish: Medium length. Bandaids, gentle coastal notes and more charred lemon.
Photo: Whiskybase
