BOWMORE Darkest, no age statement, 43 vol (from Michael Jackson's "Malt Whisky Companion" 4th edition, 1999)
Whisky in its mid teens, but from superb sherry casks.
Colour: Attractive, refractive, deep amber to tawny.
Nose: Smoky. Floral. Hessian. Sea Air. Fresh, delicious, appetizing, complex.
Body: Medium to full. Satiny.
Palate: Perfumy start. Flowering currant. Nutty. Dry, black-treacle maltiness.
Finish: Smooth. Polished stone.Hard, salty, licorice.
Score: 91*
* the highest rated Bowmore alongside the 40-year-old.
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Bowmore Darkest (43%, OB, circa 2002)
Colour: cognac. Nose: very perfumy. Lots of sherry influence. A little vulgar and dull, with notes of grape juice and dried orange. Mouth: bold sherryish notes. Sweetish, the peat being quite masked. A little salty, and very, very dull. Quite a ‘catastrophy’, if you ask me. 65 points (Davin 70, Olivier 60)http://www.whiskyfun.com/ArchiveJune04.html#160604