Bowmore 18 Year Old 2002 Wu Dram Clan

Well, well, this whisky was only launched this year and already it has all the hallmarks of a future classic and is hence nowhere to be found – unless you are willing to pay a small fortune. I was lucky enough to get a sample from my Dutch buddy Marcel. It’s quite the classic though: an 18 years old Bowmore that matured on a bourbon cask. So, let’s see what all the fuss is about.

The nose is expressive and special on silver polish, ashes and sand. Beach sand, to be precise. Lime juice, chalk and some candle was in a hessian sack. Slightly metallic note. While interesting, my world is not yet upside down.

Oily structure, making it nicely mouth coating. Aha! Now this is exciting: hint of tropical fruit (think grapefruit, papaya, passion fruit) overcome by lots a maritime notes like brackish water, oyster sap and pebbles on the beach. Becomes a veritable clash between sweet and salt. Eucalyptus gives it a fresh lift, while the wood delivers lots of pepper. Okay, admitted, this is very good indeed.

In the long finish sweet has to recognize salt as the victor, while ashes linger.

Oh, my, impressive Bowmore for one less than 20 years old, no two ways about it. But around 400 EUR by now, which is of course ludicrous. Thanks, Marcel.

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