Bowmore 18 Years Old is part of a collection of four Islay single malts aged from 12 to 21 years, introduced in 2024. Its black livery pays homage to Black Bowmore, distilled in 1964 and one of the distillery's most celebrated whiskies. It is bottled at 43% volume. MATURATION: The spirit matured in hand-selected ex-bourbon and Oloroso sherry casks before a finish in Pedro Ximénez sherry casks. The finish adds fresh sweetness and bright fruit to the distillery's gentle smoke. SUGGESTIONS: Serve neat in a tulip glass, with still water alongside to add a few drops. At the table, it suits roast venison or game with girolles. For a cigar, choose a medium-bodied Nicaraguan or Dominican robusto.
Tasting notes
Pale mahogany with a ruddy glow.
Fresh pineapple, dark chocolate, cocoa beans, zesty citrus and rich peat.
Layered orange peel, moist sultanas, aniseed spice and cocoa beans.
Powerfully fruity and expressive, with great depth.
Bowmore's No.1 Vaults stand on the shore of Loch Indaal, where the distillery's whisky matures. It is the oldest distillery on Islay: David Simson acquired a lease on the land in 1766, and the Bowmore name was first recorded in 1779.The distillery still turns barley on its own malting floors and dries it over peat smoke. Fermentations are long and distillation is slow.
