When it comes to whisky, my preferences are always changing, depending upon what I’m in the mood for. Some days I fancy a spicy rye, others I’m in the mood for a complex Japanese expression, and sometimes I fancy a sweet and smooth drop, be it from Ireland, Speyside, or anywhere else. When I get the fancies for a smoky, peaty, coastal dram however, Islay is always my port of call.

I won’t go on about how much I love Islay too much, because regular readers will be well aware of my feelings on this stunning whisky region. What I will say however, is that this rugged, weather-beaten island is home to some of the most famous distilleries and drams on the planet.

From Lagavulin and Laphroaig to Caol Ila, Ardbeg, and everything in between, if you enjoy your whisky smoked, peaty, produced traditionally, and rich in coastal maritime notes, Islay expressions are like nothing you’ll get anywhere else in the world.

One name I didn’t list previously however, is the basis of my review today and is the oldest working distillery on the island. Yes, that’s right, it’s a Bowmore.

Working History in Its Finest Form

Having been first established way back in 1779, it’s truly remarkable that the Bowmore Distillery is not only still operational, but still putting out truly exceptional whisky.

Now owned by Morrison Bowmore Distillers Ltd, a subsidiary of Suntory Global Spirits, the distillery has largely been running consistently since it was founded more than two centuries ago. In traditional Islay fashion, the distillery has its own floor maltings, which helps to impart that rich smoky, peaty flavour that has become synonymous with this whisky region.

With a capacity to produce upwards of 1.7 million litres of spirit each year, it’s one of the most active distilleries on Islay.

Another little fact that I love about the distillery is the fact that little goes to waste. Even waste heat from the distillery process is put to good use, as it is used to heat the swimming pool at the MacTaggart Leisure Centre. This is the only indoor swimming pool on Islay, and it was constructed in one of the distillery’s old warehouses. How cool is that? Or rather, how warm is that?

Bowmore 25 Year Old Single Malt

Okay, I’ve probably waffled on plenty about the distillery and Islay itself, so now let’s get to the good stuff and talk whisky!

Having won a number of awards over the years, including two Golds at the International Wine and Spirit Competition, this is a premium quality whisky with a very reasonable price tag for what you’re getting. Don’t get me wrong, we’re not talking a few quid, but for a treat, as a gift, or for a celebration on a special occasion, it’s very reasonable.

Aged for two and a half decades in a combination of American bourbon and Spanish sherry casks, it’s taken on a wonderful golden caramel colour that, to me and many others no doubt, looks visually stunning.

I love this dram as it has everything from sweet sherry notes to smoky coastal undertones, and everything in between. It’s balanced beautifully and quite honestly, I cannot get enough. At 43% ABV, and smooth as silk, it makes for some absurdly easy drinking.

On the nose you pick up the coastal smokiness we’ve come to know and love from a fine Islay. It reminded me of a coastal smoke house by the seaside, smoking up a fresh batch of freshly caught salmon over oak. Then comes the fruity aromas. A definite sherry influence here. I got a lot of ripe date, fig, and raisin aromas. Finally, there was a subtle floral lavender perfume that helped mellow things down.

On the palate, I was expecting more smoke but I actually got floral notes of lavender and fresh mint with a good helping of honey. Next came the toffee chocolate notes, and wow, did they work! Add a touch of vanilla, charred oak smoke, and creamy hazelnut praline, with subtle undertones of oranges, dates, and figs and you can see why this is such a revered whisky still in such high demand after all these years.

The finish was lengthy and mellow. Red toffee apples, coastal sea breeze, and a whisper of cigar smoke and ripe apricots fade into a gentle spiciness with oaky undertones that linger for minutes after your last sip. The finish is exquisite, but then again, so is the dram itself.

If you’d like to learn more about your favourite whiskies, or simply treat yourself to a dram or two in the process, head on over to GreatDrams.com and take a look at the diverse selection of unique whiskies we currently have in stock.

With an impressive selection of limited-edition, rare, and award-winning whisky, as well as heaps of whisky info on our blog, it’s the perfect spot for any whisky lovers out there.