Bowmore 10 Year Old for Dramalot

This is the first club bottling from the young whisky club Dramalot (what’s in a name?) from Denderleeuw (Beglium). They immediately went for a Bowmore at cask strength. A matter of making an entrance, I think. I got the sample from one of their principals (thanks, Yves!).

Well, on the nose, which is very soft and inviting, this seems to be a very special Bowmore indeed. Sure, the typical Bowmore character is there, but de light smoke is clearly overpowered by a wonderful dose of vanilla and, primarily, a panoply of citrusy fruits. Orange peel, lime zest and some grapefruit. Give it a few minutes and some more ashes will appear. It even has a meaty edge.

It is nicely creamy and feisty (white pepper?) on the palate. The ashes return, but again it is mostly the citrus that does the talking, leaving you doubtless that this is a Citrusmore. Midpalate, it turns slightly sourish (that sounds worse than it tastes). Vanilla and breakfast cereals try to crawl past the fruit, but to no avail.

The finish, that is fairly long, keeps building on citrus, but dies a wonderful salty death.

This Bowmore is very straightforward, not very complex, different than what I’m used to but very good nonetheless. A pleasant surprise. Those boys at Dramalot, who would have thought? Good choice. Nice entrance. Only 60 bottles are available at 49 EUR a piece? I will take two, please.

Find where to buy Bowmore whisky