Whiskybase

Islay Violets 33-year-old ElD

Overall rating
88.37/100
votes
143
Whiskybase ID
WB161407
Category
Single Malt
Bottler
Elixir Distillers (ElD)
Bottled
2020
Stated Age
33 years old
Casktype
American Oak, Finished in Cognac Casks
Strength
46.2 % Vol.
Size
700 ml
Barcode
5060532806131
Added on
03 jul 2020 1:49 pm by Whisky_Addicted
UncoloredNon-chillfiltered
Islay Violets 33-year-old ElD
Photo by KirschImport
Islay Violets 33-year-old ElD
Photo by KirschImport
Islay Violets 33-year-old ElD
Photo by whic
Islay Violets 33-year-old ElD
Photo by whic

Average value

€ 537.72

Found 10 online shops. Lowest price:

€ 449.90
gb Hard To Find Whisky £ 599.95
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Whisky Reviews for Islay Violets 33-year-old ElD

54 users have left a review for this whisky and scored it an average of 88.37 points

  1. whiskyleaksulm scored this whisky 90 points Expert Senior

    • Nose
      91 91
      It's really unusual what flows wonderfully towards you. Flowery notes with light smoke, herbs, a little perfume and suddenly spices like turmeric. Overall a mixture of sweetness and acidity, blood orange jelly. Over time, we turn to flowery jam.
    • Taste
      90 90
      I've been hanging on my glass for a long time now. Take a sip again and again and I'm fascinated. This is really rather a rare experience. Very floral at the beginning (is that the famous carnation?), Then becomes more and more fruity, accompanied by fine smoke, very subtle. Really lies comfortably on the tongue. For me, absolutely no bad grade. An interplay of perfume in cedar spice with lots of herbal accents. Then always sweeter and if you put off the flowery one, a beautiful orange with sweetness remains. Absolutely exciting.
    • Finish
      89 89
      The finish seems almost irrelevant to me with this whisky, as a little fruit remains and a smoky accent here and there, but I don't get that far because I keep hanging my nose in the glass.

  2. Mannix65 scored this whisky 84 points Connoisseur

    His name says it all - violets and lavender - is too soapy for me - a classic example of why the Bowmores from the 80s are so notorious
    • Nose
      85 85
      Dominant floral notes, fabric softener, lavender soap, violets - bathed in a smoky ash cloud, some bacon, sandalwood and perfumed plum
    • Taste
      83 83
      Intensive soap, violets, smoke and bubble bath, later leather and plum - surprisingly little wood for the advanced age, only with the addition of water does the oak stand out more
    • Finish
      84 84
      a sour smoke note lingers in the throat for a long time

  3. whiskydramo scored this whisky 88 points Connoisseur

    It might feel like a simple dram without depth initially, but it certainly changed my mind (in a positive way) after a few nose-taste-finish cycles.
    • Nose
      86 86
      Dirtily smoked pear with almost no sweetness. Cantaloupe. A bag of dried violet, plus a trace of pomelo peel. Capers with a distinctive salted and pickled taste, subsequently mixed with black peppers. There's vaguely some loquat as well. More creamy and oxidised apples after a sip. Assorted fruit flavoured soda from the emptied glass.
    • Taste
      87 87
      Sweet orange that's a bit diluted, apples added shortly, followed by honey with richening yellow peach. Some sweet and vegetal notes appeared, together with vanilla custard and mild peatiness in the background. Pleasant, mellow but unfortunately lacks the complexity to excel.
    • Finish
      90 90
      Vegetal peat blended with sweet wood, which later developed into nutty caramel and possibly mango skin. The mango skin manifested some vague tropical fruit notes.

  4. VossnWhisky scored this whisky 93 points Newbie

    First of all, the color is beautiful, a deep, rich amber. The scent fills the room immediately , not only with smoke but a rich complexity.
    My opinion: I like it a lot. The amount of wood is kind of expected at that age, and I really like the herby notes because there is so much left to discover. Whether it's worth the price is a different story, but I would love to have this again.
    • Nose
      96 96
      field of wildflowers, greens and grasses dominate together with bold sweetness. There is a lot of fruit that’s hard to decipher, warm and dripping with sweet juice, maybe a warm plum cake. You can barely feel the alcohol. the smoke makes itself noticeable with a slight smell of smoked black forest ham. If you let it rest for a few moments, you will find rich, wet soil, and more herbs. We can finally find the promised violets together with roses and hibiscus. Makes it feel very „clean“ like fresh laundry. The cognac can be recognized as such in the nose.
      Almonds or Marzipan become hazelnuts with a very sour note reminiscent of physalis or kumquat. Grassy and malty, in a way.
    • Taste
      92 92
      This one packs a punch and gets you out of left field, because it’s noting like the nose. All warmth and sweetness is gone and makes way for smoke and another array of herbs. Basil, Thyme, and Rosemary (Reminiscent of the song „Scarborough Fair“: Parsley, sage, rosemary and thyme..) makes you feel like walking though a cottage garden or busy kitchen. Also a violent about of oak, like biting on a plank, a bit of burnt wood. Cornflower and Bergamot as well as raw cacao mingle and give it a bit of spice.
    • Finish
      92 92
      Finish: Long. Very, very, long. Gets drier and drier then leaves you with cacao shells, black tea and bitter orange. You can still feel it im your gums, not your throat, long after the last sip. And again, oak.

  5. Islay1815 scored this whisky 85 points Expert Senior

    This whisky is really a challenge. But every time it gets deeper and more interesting. Really not a whisky that you can find on every corner and therefore absolutely really recommended to try!

    If the rumors are true and it's a 1980s Bowmore, then it's really very subtle, elegant and reserved for this Islay whisky.

    Issue price approx. 450 €
    Color: copper
    Medium oiliness in the glass.
    • Nose
      86 86
      First comes sage, lilac, lavender. Blossom honey and marzipan spread out underneath. At the corners I have lemon peel barely noticeable smoke and a slight mint freshness.
    • Taste
      85 85
      No heavy liquid, on the contrary, the whisky spreads easily and pleasantly in the mouth. No burning from alcohol.
      Subtle fruit sweetness is reminiscent of overripe oranges.
      Light smoke appears. Flowery and resinous aroma with spruce needles and light oak spice.
    • Finish
      85 85
      A subtle fruity sweetness of citrus fruits or oranges and again the lavender remain in addition to a fine aftertaste of smoked wood.

  6. SherryDrone scored this whisky 93 points Member Senior

    A wonderful whisky. Cognac cask finish compliments the vintage islay peat gorgeously.

    Colour: Amber

    Nose: Sage. Subtle citrus notes with sweetness. Peat but very subdued & infused. A bit of this trio - camphor, menthol & eucalyptus but very subtle. As the name suggests there’s those wild flowers on the nose. Some moist lavender notes.
    Palate: The cognac cask influence is not overwhelming. That grapey, winey flavour has infact become very floral and sweet. Peat is subtle and lovely. Little bit of brandy notes. Aged oak, caramel custard, a bit of rose powder with lilac, lavender floral notes. Complex. Not heavy but mild and gentle. The lower ABV is so lovely.

    Finish: Gorgeous finish. Mild peat, sweetness, some herbal notes which starts off bitter but fades, menthol and lavender.

    A complex dram. Cognac cask finish has worked quite well. Pricey but a superb 33yo that’s so savoury.

  7. svenske2015 did not rate this whisky Expert Senior

    Violets? This sounds like a 1980s Bowmore (Germany: 449 EUR);

    And didn't we notice a Peat's Beast 34y with ex-Cognac-finish, too? Another Bowmore? (Price around 350 EUR) https://www.whiskybase.com/whiskies/whisky/159814

    PR material:

    "Nose: Intense flowery with the aroma of Parma Violet Drops and jasmine. Clear notes of furniture polish, lemon peel and laundry drying in the fresh air contrast with the smoky character of flamed sage.

    Palate: An alpine garden in summer: delicate violet blossoms mix with woody and resinous notes of juniper, pine and rosemary. Slightly tangy and warming like a champagne cocktail with grapefruit juice and rose syrup.

    Finish: Refreshing, herbaceous notes of dried mint, eucalyptus, rosemary and fresh coriander leaves are balanced with the sweetness of lavender perfume and candied fennel seeds. "

  8. Jackson05 scored this whisky 91 points Connoisseur

    Part of an old and rare lineup from Elixir.

    This is my ranking

    7. Rosebank 21 4th edition
    6. Glenrothes 30
    5. Bunnahabhain 43yr
    4. Imperial 28 marriage
    3. Bunnahabhain 44yr
    2. Clynelish 22 yr marriage
    1. Islay Violets

    Why? Why on earth would I rank this semi joke of a release #1? I do not like soap and dominant floral notes in whisky, it should be stated.

    What I do like, is to be surprised. I’m just a nerd on a journey. This bottle symbolizes what I love so much about whisky. If you have an open mind and your own opinion, you can even surprise yourself sometimes.

    This is different, but I don’t find it to be Parma Violets, or FWP, or soapy even. I get fresh linen, cotton, peppermint oil, metal polish. It’s very different and that’s what I love. In a world of homogeneity, this stands out and that’s what I’m looking for at this point in my journey. Lots of mint and metallic notes in the mouth and then the finish starts on some lavender but quickly turns very fruity and long lasting. Wow. I’m totally surprised to like this. It reminds me of a 1965 Littlemill OMC with lots of character. Character is under appreciated these days...

  9. Lu Cifer scored this whisky 92 points Connoisseur

    • Nose
      91 91
      aromatic and elegant at the same time, a hint of smoky, fine oak notes, trace of cognac, slightly flowery with a hint of lavender, slightly sweet and fruity, some citrus fruits and old oak cupboard.
    • Taste
      92 92
      somewhat smoky and a little spicy, aromatic, fine notes of dry oak, slightly flowery and slightly perfumed. Now delicately tart with dark chocolate / cocoa, a hint of barrel and coffee, spices. Again, slightly smoky, fresh orange, again slightly flowery and a trace of soapy? Some lemon and ash.
    • Finish
      90 90
      delicate tart oak / chocolate, smoke and ash, hint of lemon. Covering the palate for a moment, lingering for a long time. The smoky note and ash increase in the finish.

  10. Horror_Vacui scored this whisky 80 points Expert Senior

    Nose: Yes, violets and lavender - Grandma's closet and mothballs. Did I let the name influence me? Without announcing what it is, the glass is handed to the better half: "Uhh, what's that? Cheap perfume, mothballs".
    With a little time in the glass herbs - sage, thyme. Bowmore smoke often has something "perfumed" for me, which I also find here, with a sweetish floral note. I find some eucalyptus, incense sticks, some liquorice (Dutch). Damp linen. At first I don't notice anything clear in my nose from the cognac barrel.

    Mouth:
    First of all, the first few seconds in the mouth are dominant violets, lavender. With a little time in the mouth, there is a subtle ash note. Some thyme, some acacia honey. Lavender candy, and that remains the dominant aroma.

    Finish:
    Lavender and violets. subtle wood tones. light incense and ash notes.

    80/100

    Conclusion: For me this is an aroma that does not belong in a whisky in terms of intensity and which I therefore see as a false note. It is not undrinkable, but there is no pleasure either. The alcohol is well integrated, the oak is not too dominant, that would be positive points that I would mention.

  11. Slàinte Mhath scored this whisky 91 points Super Administrator

    Quick hit review. Whisky calendar - Day 12.

    Presumably an old Bowmore, and they are not lying about the violets! In addition to that, the aroma unfolds with dry-cured ham, black olives and cough drops. The cognac finish becomes more obvious on the palate, where dark fruits, raisins and peppermint mix with subtle peat smoke. Walnuts and orange zest linger in the prolonged finish. Hands down, this is a stellar and characterful malt, I am pleasantly surprised!

    RATING: 4.5/5.0 stars ≙ 91 pts → SUPERB

  12. herby.usa scored this whisky 97 points Expert Senior

    So today, after a few weeks since the bottle was opened, the second tasting follows (so the substance was allowed to breathe a little).

    Conclusion: Breathing did him a lot of good. It will definitely get even better!
    • Nose
      97 97
      First olfactory notes: lightly smoked bacon/ashy.
      Menthol/mint, mineral, sweet/honey
      ahhh, there it is: steam kettle (salty/ mineral/ metallic)
      Vanilla comes to the fore
      After the glass has been completely wetted (rolled 360 degrees once), the alcohol (46.2%!) stings your nose
      Fruitiness (green apple) imposes itself.
      Perfumed, violets -> and again: Old Duncan Taylor Bowmore
      Bottom line: you like it or you don't. I absolutely love it, there is nothing "elegantly better"!!!
    • Taste
      98 98
      First Approach: Soft, slightly ashy
      Oh immediately mineral, sparkling fruity (lemonade)
      oily/creamy,
      hmmmm soapy/violets - yummy!
      menthol/mint, earthy, sparkling, vanilla, coffee,
      spicy, ginger... (so complex)
    • Finish
      97 97
      Long: coffee, vanilla, lemonade,
      Mucous membranes contract and emit long saliva
      Tannins (not strong at all) look dry.

  13. ralle1968 scored this whisky 82 points Expert Senior

    Floral but heavy. More like behind Grandma in church. Once again she didn't skimp on the sweet scent because she can no longer smell sensible.

    So yes: violets, but also lavender, plus lilac, butterfly bush and cedarwood moth balls. Open the oak cupboard, take out the old stole ... slightly musty. It's actually quite interesting, the whole thing. Not one to take off when screaming, but full of pictures. A storyteller for the nose.

    After a good time in the glass: more oak, more vanilla, less violets on the nose.

    On the palate again violets ... oily ... then sweet oak spice ... somewhat one-dimensional in the taste profile for the age and the price.

    Is that soapy? Tastes more like violet pastilles ... artificial ... violet mouse bacon! But no smoke.

    In the finish: sweet, then a hearty bite in a chipboard. Violets again at the end.

    So: exciting nose, average taste, unique finish. I can drink it well, but it would be more like a 60 euro bottle.

  14. Tangtang_WhiskyYoda scored this whisky 93 points Connoisseur

    for me personally the best Bowmore I've had in my glass so far.
    incredibly complex and a great flavor combination.
    Wonderful whisky.
    • Nose
      92 92
      nice smoky note, floral notes, dark fruits, spicy oak, lavender, cognac aromas, red grapes, leather, old oak cabinet wall, subtly sweet and a hint of wax. A bit salty and sour far in the background. A light ash note comes through.
    • Taste
      93 93
      Slightly ashy and smoky, dark fruits, red grapes, floral floral notes, dark chocolate, spicy oak aromas, slightly creamy, wax, leather, some honey, subtly salty sweet, some fruit acidity. Grandma's old oak furniture, very lightly a little motor oil, some pepper.
    • Finish
      93 93
      Smoky and fruity in the first place, then intense floral notes combined with the pleasant fruit acidity, the aromas linger on the palate and tongue for a long time. The spicy oak is back too.

  15. Izzino scored this whisky 97 points Connoisseur

    London Whisky Show - It was one of the biggest bombs of the festival. Very inconspicuous but amazing. beautiful, medical, fresh, citrus, massage oil, leukopkast

  16. dan_o_b scored this whisky 90 points Expert Junior

    Tried at The Whisky Show 2021. Thought this was brilliant. Floral on the nose and characteristic parma violets on the palette. Long long finish. Odd to try a bottle of this price bracket that feels "worth it".

  17. EvilAFI scored this whisky 91 points Expert Senior

    This is such a great mix of sweet and clean Bowmore smoke, the balance was impeccable.
    Great casks and very elegant.
    • Nose
      91 91
      Clean smoke, bbq char, sweet hay, honey, grape compote, linen sheet
    • Taste
      92 92
      Charred ribs, a nice oak spice, brine, sweet white wine, herbs
    • Finish
      91 91
      Oak and a chewy sweet bbq glaze, smoke

  18. Tom na Gruagaich scored this whisky 90 points Connoisseur

    Ultra-exciting, very independent whisky. The nose was one of the best and most exciting things I've had in the past few years. In the mouth and in the finish, the tart herbal notes and the almost perfume-like aroma were sometimes a bit too much. Nothing for every day, also a bit challenging. But that nose, great. All in all, a great whisky that you really have to try, I've never drunk that before and it's a lot of fun.
    • Nose
      wow, that smells like a flower extract infusion in the sauna. Bergamot oil and citrus peel were added to the flower essences, while the hot wood with a subtle, slightly sweaty note of peat rounds off the nose. I seldom have the scent before my eyes so figuratively. Over time, the peat becomes more present, albeit clearly degraded, the wood becomes a bit resinous and the flowers become herbaceous, especially thyme. Seldom had such an expressive and independent nose.
    • Taste
      In the mouth it starts gently, the flowery shows up immediately, then comes a little pepper and a rather tart note of oak and tart herbs, a little menthol and the flower extracts are already very special in the mouth. In addition, there are very clear notes of bergamot
    • Finish
      The finish has a lot of mint, herbs, tart oak and a very flowery, almost perfume-like note. Here, too, the bergamot is there, like bitter Earl Gray that has been pulled for too long. A little power is missing in the finish, which carries the aromas better before the tart, mentholy note takes over.

  19. wisekyofcourse scored this whisky 90 points Connoisseur

    nose:
    fresh, vegetal, on rose petals from Provins, lavender, on seawater which comes in through the nose, iodine is present, an earthy and medicinal aroma of peat, zan, spices which lift the all
    mouth:
    fine, sensual, tamed; at the beginning the purple flowers and others in a bouquet all at once, on the bathroom or WC products that you have to look for, it is subtle and more complicated than it seems; the well-sweet cooked fruits juggle with the return of salty iodine; the woodiness with charcoal and the juice of a meat grilled in the distance
    final:
    long, leaving on sweet spices, white pepper, flowers, syrup, iodine and ash.
    the more it is this fine length.

  20. Thermidor scored this whisky 84 points Connoisseur

    An obvious 1980s Bowmore with granny's linen and perfume closet notes. Funny how these are now sold as whisky rarities at a premium price. IMO it's a swindle.

    These '80s Bowmores are much like moderately or strongly sulfur tainted casks: you taste one and it can feel unique, strange, enchanting. You taste a few and the enchantment becomes dispelled.
    • Nose
      Vicks breath mints and old oak. Hay, currant leaves, granny perfume, and mothballs. If you give it some time, you'll start noticing those familiar Bowmore distillate markers (tar, a certain chemical note, some marine notes) underneath, but it's all masked by this breath mint-like, soapy layer that reminds me a lot of whisky that has taken in too much air and has become spoiled as a result.
    • Taste
      Tastes almost like a spoiled old miniature: on top, this floral soapiness, and underneath somewhere those tastes you'd actually expect from the Bowmore distillate. I can't but consider these 1980s Bowmores flawed. Without that aroma, this could be an excellent old whisky.
    • Finish
      Lasting, with a nice taste of old Bowmore, ruined by the breath mint vibes.

  21. Bowmore Axel scored this whisky 93 points Connoisseur

    • Nose
      96 96
      Maritime, salty, a little soapy, slightly tarry, a little farmy,
      floral, medicinal, yellow fruits, peppermint.
    • Taste
      94 94
      Delicate sweetness, peppery, salty, very easy to chew, becomes very
      nice viscous. Alcohol well integrated.
    • Finish
      90 90
      Slimy, salty, maritime

  22. Bowmore Axel scored this whisky 93 points Connoisseur

    • Nose
      95 95
      Medical, maritime, metallic, sweet peppermint,
      flowery, sea air, salty, sparkling, apple, slightly farmy
    • Taste
      92 92
      Soft, oily, bittersweet, slightly peppery, salty, flowery,
      slightly tart fruit
    • Finish
      95 95
      Salty, maritime, bittersweet, delicate wood notes, peppery,
      floral, mineral - salty steam boiler aroma, delicious.

  23. dr.mad scored this whisky 91 points Expert Senior

    • Nose
      91 91
      Vanilla, lavender, mountain heather
    • Taste
      88 88
      Dry, floral
    • Finish
      95 95
      Old bottle effect, sal ammoniac, salt

  24. HansG scored this whisky 85 points Expert Senior

    I do not get why people are into these drams in the year 2020. This one has a moderate perfumy violet taste which is not very annoying, but it has no complexity or different layers of flavors.

    This is a dull dram overall, and cognac finish cannot save it from its inevitable death.

  25. Daan Tje scored this whisky 91 points Connoisseur

    Absolute Bowmore
    That maritime and liquorish in the profile makes of clear for me
    The nose does hide that.
    A flowergarden, lemonrasp,oily,
    The taste is great! As said before, liquorish, maritime, waxy, lemonrasp, fresh flowers (so, thére are the voilets :) ), slight smokey...all balanced well

    Finish....violets!
    Very Nice dram!

  26. VISHALNRZ scored this whisky 1 points Member Junior

    No

  27. steve_pinkcity scored this whisky 70 points Expert Junior

    Bottle label does not lie: crazy violet/chemical after-taste typical from bad 80’s Bowmore which makes it almost undrinkable. Nose is pretty nice as far as I remember though, but the taste is terrible.

  28. FluidSunshine scored this whisky 89 points Expert Senior

    • Nose
      89 89
    • Taste
      89 89
    • Finish
      88 88

  29. ConvalRen scored this whisky 69 points Connoisseur

    Gross.
    • Nose
      69 69
    • Taste
      69 69
    • Finish
      68 68

  30. lingige scored this whisky 90 points Expert Junior

  31. TTAlex scored this whisky 91 points Expert Junior

    • Nose
      91 91
    • Taste
      91 91
    • Finish
      90 90

  32. zzqfyl scored this whisky 88 points Connoisseur

    • Nose
      89 89
    • Taste
      88 88
    • Finish
      88 88

  33. ThorstenH scored this whisky 87 points Expert Senior

    I can confirm the notes from leaks, but unfortunately it doesn't hit me as a nerf. Not my Bowmore.
    • Nose
      90 90
    • Taste
      86 86
    • Finish
      85 85

  34. Reed scored this whisky 91 points Expert Junior

    A violet Bowmore (perhaps one of the most intense representatives) of the late 80's. Some hate them, others love them.
    Missing note, production error or an interesting rarity? Good question and certainly a matter of taste!
    For me, the focus when enjoying whisky is that one or the other bottle can still really surprise me, even fascinate me with its aromas. A whisky needs to be remembered: "Hey, remember that whisky we had in our glass years ago?". This one is definitely one of them for me!
    Interesting notes that I have not yet had in the glass with this intensity! Irrespective of whether these herbal/perfume notes are considered to be off-notes or not. It is definitely drinkable and well matured.
    Do I need a bottle of this now? No, it is challenging (not to say special) and certainly not something for every day, and the price is already in the upper segment.
    But if you ask my opinion if you should have had this whisky in your glass, I would definitely say yes! That's why I drink whisky!
    • Nose
      91 91
      Standing time: > 30 min
      A very interesting nose, never had anything like it in the glass before:
      Smells a bit sour at first (citric bathroom cleaner), then quickly becomes more flowery, while the citric character decreases sharply, but never completely disappears.
      For me, the floral notes are clearly not violets, as the marketing name "Islay Violets" might suggest (I have violets in my garden myself, which I love to sniff and often). The floral notes are more herbal: dried chamomile tea (yes , I smelled a new chamomile tea bag for comparison, that hits the nail on the head for me), but yarrow, fennel, marigold flowers could also be there. Everything is accompanied by a nice sweet and a slightly smoky note, which gives the whole thing a good deal of complexity. From time to time something perfumed (drugstore) flashes through.
    • Taste
      92 92
      Here I can only agree with the description of whiskyleaksulm! A very intriguing dram. An interplay of herbs/flowers and smoke.
      First notes of cognac (in my opinion, the finish harmonizes very well here), then smoke and strong herbal notes (yes, cedar wood and chamomile) hit the tongue. The whole thing is completed by a slightly tart sweetness, something fruity here and there in the background and then again a floral finish. Gets better and better the more time you spend with him! But certainly not a simple, easy-to-drink whisky!
    • Finish
      89 89
      It remains fruity, smoky and slightly perfumed on the tongue. Some spice (cloves, cardamom). However, the weakest aspect of the overall package is the whisky.

  35. DannyDram scored this whisky 89 points Connoisseur

    Peat, tar, vanilla biscuits, meaty, orange, Nivea hand cream, flowery, vinous, oak. Balanced, medium body, good texture, good intensity. Interesting aromas, good reverberation.
    • Nose
      89 89
    • Taste
      88 88
    • Finish
      90 90

  36. yifulite_Boris scored this whisky 89 points Member Senior

    • Nose
      90 90
      the smell is very herbaceous, strong mint, ashes, oily, violet smell just as its name, boiled apple, unusual bowmore on its smell.
    • Taste
      89 89
      sweet, pepper, strong smoking, and black chocolate， it's very soft and balanced，
    • Finish
      89 89
      medium and long，smoking and Bittersweet chocolate， it's a pity that its typical mint disappear very soon, my tongue can hardly feel it in the finish.

  37. WhiskyLovingPianist scored this whisky 85 points Connoisseur

    https://whiskylovingpianist.wordpress.com/2021/12/10/the-whisky-show-2021-part-11-11-elixir/?_thumbnail_id=37421

    American oak-matured and finished in cognac casks. Compliments of Fi Shoop.

    N: Fentimans lemonade with parma violet cordial,…..
    T: The entire parma violet bathroom range,…
    F: ,.. concluding cleanly with its toasted/roasted malt base, as if to remind us that this is a whisky and not a violet-flavoured cocktail.
    C: A curiosity malt that comes across as an amusing if brilliant stunt. One to split the room.

    Scores 85 points

  38. Bestatter-Olly scored this whisky 94 points Member Senior

    Super balanced, old Bowmore with an ingenious violet aroma. Great

  39. lsyintic scored this whisky 92 points Member Senior

    • Nose
      95 95
    • Taste
      93 93
    • Finish
      90 90

  40. FritzeKrautman scored this whisky 87 points Connoisseur

    Interesting nose, fruit keeps working its way up through the smoke. Significantly too little strength on the palate. Again and again the notes of violet soap. The smoke is rather ugly, bitter. Clearly too expensive for what is offered.
    • Nose
      88 88
      Smoke, spices, peach, floral notes, formalin, maritime, salt, vanilla
    • Taste
      86 86
      Very soft, sweet, floral, some ash, soapy,
    • Finish
      87 87
      Quite a long finish. Soapy, berries, pepper, smoke. Increasingly bitter.

  41. Baanaanaabob scored this whisky 87 points Connoisseur

    Pretty much self explanatory, not that bad though.

  42. whisky_garage scored this whisky 92 points Expert Junior

    The aroma is calm, delicate, sweetish.
    A flower field in a veil of gentle peat smoke.
    We stood there and breathed ... Peat smoke fades into the background and becomes almost phantom.
    The flower theme develops even more powerfully and brighter. Lots of juicy fruits, peaches, sweet citrus fruits. Fatty nuts (almonds), eucalyptus oil, pleasant perfumery, noble tobacco - woody motives.

    The taste is velvety, enveloping, sweet. Floral - fruity story flavored with the most delicate peat smoke, light grassiness, sweet citrus fruits, peach, a little spicy spices, noble wood.

    The finish is long and sweet. Chocolate, pleasant peaty sillage, sweet citrus fruits, velvety wood, a pinch of chili pepper.

    Conclusion: Delightfully unusual, floral-fruity Bowmore profile.

  43. VISION_CHEN scored this whisky 44 points Expert Junior

    Nose: The scent of flowers, vegetable oil, um, I was wrong, it is purple soap, insect repellent, and laundry detergent. The expressiveness is undoubtedly good, but the complexity is almost obscured by the taste, and the aroma score has to be deducted a lot.

    Drink: What, I took a sip of the expressive mosquito repellent, the final rhyme is laundry detergent, honey, of course it can be said to be floral.

    Overall: Forgive me for my lack of ethics, I really can't appreciate the taste, and it even feels a little nauseous in the end.

  44. Ficelli scored this whisky 91 points Connoisseur

    • Nose
      91 91
    • Taste
      92 92
    • Finish
      91 91

  45. whissmerhil scored this whisky 91 points Member Senior

    It's mega good. Here. We want to go back without stopping ...
    • Nose
      A very sweet and very light smoke, with a large package of exotic fruits (very fatty mango, pineapple juice), very fine violet candy notes that arrive, in waves, counterbalanced by notes of aromatic herbs and grilled meat (duck breast), with some chalk notes, We then start with light sweet vegetal notes (liquorice, bamboo shoot?), a bit of chlorophyll and redcurrant ... It's constantly moving, each note comes and goes, under a layer of slightly maritime smoke ... A hint of candied lemon which passes, a little almond milk, a hint of varnish, a little dark cocoa powder ...
    • Taste
      Pwah it's too too good ... We have all the notes of the nose, in a fairly crazy balance ... The flowers stand out well, it's quite heady but without going out of balance (bordering on soapy, but for me who is sensitive to it I find that it remains super good). The violet candy is more present, and the chlorophyll turns to menthol with an enormous freshness.
    • Finish
      Very long, on exotic fruits, violets and menthol, with a little lemon cream and smoke that remains ...

      The water brings out the minerality, but it's still balanced and very good ...

  46. WillWhisky scored this whisky 88 points Expert Senior

    • Nose
      88 88
      Floral, soapy, and tea notes on the nose, no alcohol, some pears at the back, comfort smell.
    • Taste
      89 89
      Some citrus, lavender, soapy, tea, a slight spicy, a bit sea salts
    • Finish
      88 88
      Lavender and soapy last for a while

      Who like soapy and lavender, that's a choice

  47. whiskybro scored this whisky 95 points Expert Senior

    One of the best I've ever had ????

  48. Indianerhäuptling scored this whisky 91 points Connoisseur

    • Nose
      91 91
    • Taste
      91 91
    • Finish
      90 90

  49. herby.usa scored this whisky 97 points Expert Senior

    The highlight of yesterday's Bowmore tour - at home at the table ;-).
    The program included old bottlings from Bowmores Surf, 17, Cask Streng, 16 Sherry Cask and this guy.
    First of all: Despite the freshly opened bottle (so not much fresh air yet) that was the best. An absolute sniffer, but the taste is also on the same high level as the nose.

    And what to expect can actually be seen from the name => Islay Violetts :-)

    Important: The gentleman needs time in the glass and in the mouth!
    • Nose
      96 96
      Very fruity (dark berries) in good balance with a wonderful acidity. Maritime flavors mix with nutty hints.
      So now swivel the glass around (actually I always roll it on the table) to moisten the inner walls.
      Wow, supple (oily) feet move their tracks; it's definitely oily / sloppy.
      And now a very pleasant menthol cloud comes towards me. Mixed with sweetness, honey, thyme and sage.
      After a few more minutes of warming up, it can be guessed at first, then clearly sniffed out. Steam boiler and violets.
      Liquorice, soft (surprising in terms of the maturation time in wooden casks) wood notes, spicy / floral.
      Conclusion: a snoop who needs time (ok, bottle freshly opened, you have to give a lot of time to unfold anyway). I think the score will certainly increase after a certain breathing time.
    • Taste
      96 96
      Soft - and becomes oily (sloppy) very quickly.
      Steam boiler (sparkling saltiness) and - soapy is on the way (immediately find features of the Duncan Taylor Bowmore from the 80s)
      Honey, liquorice / mint and coffee are present.
      There is also the typical Bowmore smokiness (discreet but clearly recognizable).
      The mucous membranes in the mouth contract and a certain dryness becomes noticeable (now the years in the barrel come into play); but by no means uncomfortable, rather totally normal.
      Towards the end, comes the coffee (rather mocha).
      Conclusion: complex voluminous; there will definitely be more in time.
    • Finish
      94 94
      Long - smoky, spicy, soapy
      Mocha coffee grounds and farmy at the very end (cowshed)

      The empty glass later brings out wonderful cedar aromas (old cigar box)

  50. sphinx scored this whisky 91 points Expert Senior

    • Nose
      92 92
    • Taste
      90 90
    • Finish
      91 91

  51. GIORGOS scored this whisky 88 points Connoisseur

    • Nose
      89 89
    • Taste
      88 88
    • Finish
      87 87

  52. sealgair scored this whisky 89 points Expert Junior

    Those who like the 80s style of Bowmore will get their money's worth here. Lavender flowers in a freshly washed linen bag, pipe tobacco, grape sugar and mildly smoked Serano ham. The cognac finish is discreetly in the background. Fine wood aromas and black currants dusted with cocoa ensure a long finish.

  53. P.A.O.K.you_are scored this whisky 88 points Connoisseur

    • Nose
      89 89
    • Taste
      88 88
    • Finish
      88 88

  54. Gerrit84 scored this whisky 88 points Expert Senior

    Blind tasted, very disappointed after tasting hearing it was a Bowmore of 33y old.
    • Nose
      87 87
    • Taste
      88 88
    • Finish
      88 88

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