Bowmore, which carries the distinction of being the oldest licensed distillery on the isle of Islay, recently launched its Vintner’s Trilogy.
The three expressions that make up the trilogy carry age statements—18, 26 and 27—and have undergone different cask finishes. The 18 and 26 were released in November, and finished in ex-manzanilla sherry barrels and wine barriques, respectively. The finish of the 27, releasing later in 2018, has not yet been announced.
So, without further adieu, we present the first duology of the Bowmore Vintner’s Trilogy.
Bowmore 18 Year Old Double Matured Manzanilla
The 18 Year Old spent its aging life between ex-bourbon barrels and ex-manzanilla sherry barrels. It pours a light gold in the glass. Its nose features green apple, hazelnut, stewed fruits and cream. The spirit proves round and warm on the palate, and begins with notes of green apple, pear and cream, followed by deep, dark chocolate and bitter orange peel. This dramatic shift in flavor is accompanied by a rapid drying of the palate just before the finish, which manifests itself with peaty, smoky, and peppery spice and lasts for an extraordinarily long time.
Stats:
— 52.5% ABV
— $127
CE Rating: ★★★
Bowmore 26 Year Old Wine Matured
The older of the two spirits spent its first 13 years in ex-bourbon barrels, and the second 13 in wine barriques. It pours a medium amber and has raisins, brown sugar, and stewed pear on the nose. It’s round on the tongue, and kicks off with a quick flash of spice and smoke. That’s followed up by ripe mango and dark cherry, before a quick segue into the deep, dark flavors of cured ham. What follows is salt, smoke, and an incredible note of sea brine that ushers in the dry, warm finish.
Stats:
— 48.7% ABV
— $540
CE Rating: ★★★★
