Bowmore 10 Year Old Tempest

Bowmore doesn’t always please the enthusiasts. Aside from the house style (not everyone’s cup of tea), they are also frequent offenders with regards to chill-filtration, caramel-colouring, and low abvs (the horror!). But there are a few alternatives out there, and you don’t need to run to the IB’s. Aside from some mild colourant, this one is on the level. A 10 year old first-fill bourbon-matured Bowmore at 55.1%. Cool. Here's my take on batch IV.

Nose: Pretty direct and punchy. Honey, peat, vanilla, leather, brine, banana, lemon zest, heather, hay, and white pepper. Musty.

Palate: Richly textured. Again, very punchy. Big honey, vanilla, and grass. Smoke, peat, leather, lemon lozenges, and earth.

Finish: A long, steady finish. Rich, creamy vanilla, banana, honey, ginger, musty leather, lemon lozenges, brine, white pepper, paprika, and a biting grassy note.

Thoughts: It’s not charming, but it is rugged and honest, and it’s consistent from nose to finish. Nice to have a Bowmore that’s cask strength and non chill-filtered. Yes, it has some sharp edges, but it’s a welcome escape from the standard Bowmores. This is a bigger whisky, with a honeyed sweetness and a musty, punchy profile replacing the customary fruity finish or heavy oak influence. At least we’ve still got all that leather. Powerful stuff, and yes, kind of crude. Good, though.

Find where to buy Bowmore whisky