Bowmore 21 Year Old 1989 Siler Seal
The Morning After
3 188
Review by @markjedi1
- Nose~
- Taste~
- Finish~
- Balance~
- Overall88
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‘Honey, my friend Bob is popping over to pick up a bottle around 8, okay?’ ‘Sure thing, sweetheart.’ I’ve got the best wife in the galaxy. Bob arrived around 8.30pm and left – after another infamous front-door-tasting – around 12.30am. But we sure tasted some grand stuff. One of the highlights was this older Bowmore from Silver Seal (of which I broke the cork upon opening, sorry Bob!).
Elegant nose with surprisingly bright and fresh citrus notes (think lime and lemon) and yellow melon. That is immediately followed by olive oil, sea breeze, hay and camphor. For a moment it reminds me a bit of mezcal (note to self: visit the Palenque bar again soon!). A touch of rubber, a bit of tar, soft smokiness, lightly medicinal with an equally soft salty edge, but above all perfectly balanced.
While it arrives quite gently, it immediately develops a grand salty element and the smoke gets in your face. But once you get past that, you’ll discover a true gem with lovely notes of mirabelles, lime, anchovies and juicy pears. Even a hint of mango and pineapple (if you care to look).
The finish is wonderfully long, salty versus sweet with mostly lemon and liquorice.
Put the glass near the sink and go to bed. The morning after: smell that glass. You’ll thank me later. Thank you, Bob, for sharing this magnificent Bowmore with me.
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@markjedi1 That brings back memories of an A.D.Ratray 15 year old Bowmore I had around 7 years ago. I bought it on the recommendation of the owner of the Whisky Castle in Tomintoul. Your tasting notes on the 21 year old have many similarities to that one. That was the last really good Bowmore I have had. I’d give a gonad for a really good, affordable, readily available Bowmore. Bowmore, I beg you, bring back Tempest, bring back Laimrig, bring back the Devils Cask.