Whiskybase

Bowmore 1988

Overall rating
89.01/100
votes
191
Whiskybase ID
WB7523
Category
Single Malt
Distillery
Bottler
Distillery Bottling
Vintage
10.03.1988
Bottled
2009
Stated Age
21 years old
Casktype
Port Cask Matured
Number of bottles
7200
Strength
51.5 % Vol.
Size
700 ml
Bottle code
L092098 15:15 082
Barcode
5010494001981
Added on
18 apr 2009 8:08 pm
UncoloredCask Strength
Bowmore 1988
Photo by Tiefseeente
Bowmore 1988
Photo by Cast Olila
Bowmore 1988
Photo by Cast Olila
Bowmore 1988
Photo by HwiskyNut
Bowmore 1988
Photo by HwiskyNut

Average value

€ 499.18

Found 4 online shops. Lowest price:

€ 318.52
nl bestofwhiskies.com € 550.01
de Amshop.de - Rare Whisky and Fine Spirits € 629.00
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Whisky Reviews for Bowmore 1988

31 users have left a review for this whisky and scored it an average of 89.01 points

  1. Tommyknocker scored this whisky 93 points Expert Senior

    What a bomb, extraordinary in every way: massive power and smoke for 21 years, extreme bitterness, maritime, and somewhere fruity. I have never had such a Portfass malt, nor such a wicked Bowmore. Almost a whisky catharsis! The opinions in my circle of friends vary widely, many come with this whisky not clear. I'm so glad I still have a bottle of it that I'll never sell!
    • Nose
      Pure: an absolutely unique nose that I've never felt before. He smells already extremely bitter, lactose, bitter chocolate. In addition come old diesel oil, old tires, 80s workshop. But then again dark blackberry jam, strawberries. Above all, there is a filthy peat note with a stormy coastline, very smoky for old age and a Bowmore. Very complex and really fantastic! With a bit of water: the extreme notes go back a bit, dark forest honey is added and makes the whole thing a bit "wholesome", so it is not immediately afraid of the first sip :-)
    • Taste
      Pure: At first one believes in a creamy, sweet onset, then follows after a few seconds a bitter fiery smoke explosion, which has an incredible power for old age! Also in the mouth extremely bitter chocolate (90 +%), then strawberry jam, but also tuna from the tin with salt crust. What a mix! And damn tasty. With a little water: still a lot of strength, I honestly hardly notice any change, maybe a little bit tart.
    • Finish
      very long, chocolate, "good" bitterness, and dark cherry are hanging forever.

  2. rottendon scored this whisky 71 points Connoisseur

    So if you like this French Whore Perfume, you are in good hands here, although there are actually more intense representatives, whoever is allergic to it should definitely stay away from it, whoever has a relatively high tolerance should at least make sure, just in case to have something ready for rinsing. For me it would be an absolute top malt without the violets, but I feel no need for repetitions. I will keep something for demonstration purposes.

    In fairness it should be mentioned here that the counter-test with a freshly poured and rather cool glass turned out to be much more bearable, everything was fine up to the point of departure and even then it only became very uncomfortable very late. Conclusion: pour out and tip behind the bandage, no breathing, no longer smelling, no hand warmth. But can it be?
    • Nose
      90 90
      At first, delicate smoke and fresh berries share the nose, looks very fresh and harmonious. After a while, it looks warmer and darker, which forms a wide carpet on which blackberries, currants, but also pears and bitter oranges lie. There is also a floral component, but at least it doesn't remind me of the famous French Whore Perfume. So far I don't find soap either. Heavily roasted potato chips and vanilla. And there it is, a swing of violet oil that really suppresses everything else at the moment, which is exactly the problem with it. A gentle touch would probably fit into the overall concept, but it's too intense for that. Interestingly, only occasionally, three breaths later, it has disappeared, but will come back later. With time, on the other hand, there is a certain olfactory blindness and the overall picture is again quite harmonious, but yes, this component is nasty. Mineral notes are warmed up, the violet oil is present, but less penetrating.
    • Taste
      78 78
      Oha, in the mouth it is a whole bit clearer and more penetrating, for me personally not so uncomfortable, at least not in the first sip, but whoever could not do that has lost here. Otherwise, the start is strong, the mouthfeel heavy and oily, the smoke is strong and a good dose of peat sweetness is also superficial. The unfolding of the aromas in the mouth is an impressive spectacle. There is a slight bitterness towards the end, while the violets slowly take on an unpleasant strength. In the second sip, they do that right from the start. I refrained from a third.
    • Finish
      45 45
      The finish is overwhelmed by the violet oil, besides there is only a disting and unpleasant bitterness. The finish is quite long, which is not an advantage in this case. Too bad, but this departure totally destroys the malt.

  3. DiossUA scored this whisky 94 points Expert Senior

    Nose : perfumery, raspberries, cut grass, smokiness, nuts and prunes (they start to dominate in 2 aroma phase), beets, suddenly aroma starts to pinch the nose, and then there is quite clearly a pot cat, however it quickly disappears
    Taste : sweet, even more creamy raspberry, paint, perfumes, cotton candy - very powerful and unusual
    Finish : long but mild: raspberry, cotton candy, little bit smoky BTW, water drops are prohibited
    Conclusion : is it an Islay malt: prunes / nuts in nose and raspberry in taste? I am not sure. Very unusual malt, but solid and balanced.

    Aroma : perfumery, raspberries, mown grass, smoke, nuts and prunes (they start to dominate in the 2nd phase of the fragrance), Buryak, suddenly the scent begins to pinch the nose, and after that the cat's pot is clearly visible, but it quickly disappears)
    Taste : sweet, even more creamy raspberries, colors, perfumes, sweet wool, very powerful and unusual
    Aftertaste: long, but soft: raspberry, sweet cotton, a little smoke By the way, water drops are contraindicated
    Conclusion: Is it really Isla: prunes / nuts in the aroma and raspberry in taste? I'm not sure) A very unusual mole, but folded and balanced.

  4. kallehaugedk scored this whisky 35 points Expert Senior

    Horrible soapy thin overpriced French Whore

     parfume! Yuk!
    • Nose
      74 74
    • Taste
      50 50
    • Finish
      5 5

  5. ASWhisky scored this whisky 70 points Connoisseur

    the false note may not afford a 21y at this price
    Bowmore has repeatedly done no favor with it
    I feel this whisky as inedible
    • Nose
      Violet oil (soapy)
      chocolate
    • Taste
      clearly the wrong note violet oil again
      which sticks unpleasantly to the palate
      Chocolate and grapefruit
      fruity notes
      tingle & salty
    • Finish
      medium,
      fruity & salty maritime
      the violet oil in the background clearly felt

  6. malthead-sven scored this whisky 94 points Expert Senior

    damn tasty, balanced and yet unique, I would blindly very likely recognize again. More sweetness than smoke, more ripe fruit and spiciness from the port barrel. Reminiscent of berries and lavender. 94/100
    • Nose
      Blueberries, raspberries, woodruff, fruity chewy candy, the light and dry Bowmore smoke shimmers through, followed by dark, mushy strawberries, marble cakes, new leather seats in the car, licorice, plum jam, all the flavors are strongly interwoven
    • Taste
      strong, yet gentle-mouthed, maritime and plump sweet, again many red fruit flavors, then clearly lavender
    • Finish
      and again sweet, extremely mouthwashing, throat dragons candy, not as strong as in the mouth but incredibly long and elegant, later cinnamon and again lovely, for Bowmore typical lavender

  7. herby.usa scored this whisky 93 points Expert Senior

    How often do you award 100 points or are you even allowed to do so? Well, each rating is individual and if the point range 0 - 100 is offered, you can give your personal rating (but I recommend explaining it).
    • Nose
      100 100
      The port is there immediately.
      But also delicate smoke aromas and slightly sour red berries. Sweet/honey, vanilla and somewhat floral.
      After wetting the entire inner glass wall, it is clear: Bowmore from the 80s (old school). The port still pushes through strongly, but the scent of violets (soapiness) is present.
      Little by little, maritime smells are coming more and more to the fore. A constant interplay of maritime, port heaviness but also soapiness caress the nose (if you like all these smells like me).

      The little feet slowly make their way in the glass - definitely a very oily/smooth/viscous drop!

      Later with some water: Everything even more intensive/voluminous.
    • Taste
      100 100
      After the drool has run into my mouth from sniffing, I “sacrifice” myself for the first taste test. Wow, fruity, smooth/smooth, typically Bowmore smoky, chocolatey/mocha flavors and - yep - there's my favorite: steam kettle (salty meets metal and creates a tingly mouthfeel) and lavender (oh how I love that!). Here, too, the constant interplay of port flavors with the "original" typical Bowmore flavors (actually better taste).
      Then there are wood notes, which are more comparable to vanilla in coffee grounds. Definitely: the mucous membranes contract, but in a very positive sense (even if there is a feeling that "the mouth is drying out").
    • Finish
      100 100
      Long sparkling maritime
      Lavender keeps coming back
      Coffee/mocha/chocolate in the background.

      Conclusion: Tip top Bowmore (even if not purely bourbon cask matured). The port maturation of this guy is perfectly integrated without being dominant.

      Important: Take your time, warm it up well (always hold the glass tightly) and let it work in your mouth according to the years (even longer if you like).

      It's a pity that the prices for a bottle are now totally excessive (lol but I still have a bottle & a small sample).

  8. krupoder scored this whisky 82 points Expert Senior

    Aroma: spicy, wine, sweet, smoky, woody.
    Empty glass of chocolate and nuts.
    Taste: it is honored that the whisky is middle-aged, perfumery, smoky, soap with shampoo, flower bitterness along with sweetness, bread.
    Aftertaste: long, tart, smoky, peppy, does not leave the feeling that you washed your mouth with laundry soap. In general, the taste continues.
    This is not the whisky that you want to get for 400-500 euros, suitable for lovers of perfumery notes, for me it is a sign of cheap alcohol. I do not recommend drinking in small sips, with a large soapiness it becomes less noticeable.
    Unfortunately, given the price, the age is only 82. I will give him 2 chance)))

  9. IgorKuznetsov scored this whisky 50 points Expert Senior

    21 port kask? Where? Thank you for the scent of French perfume. I don’t want any more such whisky.
    • Nose
      60 60
      The fragrance seemed to be kept in a barrel of good French perfumes. Chanel 5.
    • Taste
      50 50
      Taste as if chewing soap.
    • Finish
      40 40
      Finish????. It’s good that soap bubbles didn’t go out of my mouth

  10. Whisky-Raritäten did not rate this whisky Expert Senior

    What a great Bowmore!
    • Nose
      98 98
    • Taste
      98 98
    • Finish
      98 98

  11. d1scostu scored this whisky 84 points Expert Senior

    Nose: salt, clearly port, sherry? Spices, wood, no smoke, sweet, bowmore untypical, pleasant round smell, dark toen, densely interwoven toen which condense to a new fragrance, coffee beans, strawberry jam
    Taste: very slight scarf, short finish, warm, sweet, dark sweet, soap
    Finish: short, at the 2./3. Sip a little longer, salty
    • Nose
      88 88
    • Taste
      84 84
    • Finish
      80 80

  12. Bowmore Axel scored this whisky 94 points Connoisseur

    One of my favorite whiskys.
    Beautifully flowery, mineral - metallic, delicate
    peaty - smoky. spices, dried fruit,
    Some grapefruit bitterness, some cigar box.
    • Nose
      92 92
    • Taste
      98 98
    • Finish
      92 92

  13. Bowmore Axel scored this whisky 94 points Connoisseur

    One of my favorite whiskys. Already have the 3rd bottle open.
    • Nose
      92 92
      Clear sea aroma, delicately smoky, earthy - peaty.
      Floral and dry fruity sweet.
    • Taste
      98 98
      Sweet, dried fruit, salty, floral - perfumed.
      The infamous lavender note is here.
      But I don't find them uncomfortable.
      In addition, a metallic note like from an old one
      steam boiler. Some camphor and cigar box.
      Wow. Take your time enjoying.
    • Finish
      92 92
      Very long with everything that was also in taste.

  14. herdertje scored this whisky 88 points Expert Senior

    • Nose
      88 88
      hint of smoke, clear port, grape grape, dry oak in the background
    • Taste
      89 89
      light smoke, a little fire, matches, port in the background, nicely balanced
    • Finish
      88 88
      flows nicely, port comes back, smoke remains subtle but lingers nicely

  15. pere scored this whisky 85 points Connoisseur

    The nose is stunning, with everything from dirty, salty, coal tar smoke to exotic fruits and a quite pronounced raspberry note.

    On the taste you need to like the 80's Bowmore. It's not just the green apple fruit drops, but also quite a bit of the lavender besides the salted liquorice, wood tar and sweetish fruits.
    • Nose
      89 89
    • Taste
      83 83
    • Finish
      84 84

  17. Koalafant scored this whisky 89 points Expert Senior

    If you give this malt some time, interesting flavors develop, e.g. B. Spices such as clove, allspice and cinnamon as well as fruit notes from figs and orange peel. But he is a bit cautious about this, despite the 51.5%. A slight ethereal freshness can be perceived in the background. A certain angularity, which I already know from many a single cask bottling of this distillery, cannot be denied. Sweet aftertaste with a slight smoky note.

  18. herby.usa scored this whisky 93 points Expert Senior

    After a long time we opened a bottle again. So now we have a virgin bottle:
    • Nose
      93 93
      The gentleman needs time:
      Very cautious at first.
      Now the port comes out - fruity dark berries, sultanas, vanilla, sweet / honey
      mineral, salty
      Conclusion: After a while the guy becomes heavy and sweet.
      Smokiness cannot be smelled. The port and saltiness are dominant.

      Ultimately, this Bowmore is a real sniff, it just takes time and warmth.

      Conclusion: It will be more interesting when the fabric has breathed a little (as is so often the case with freshly opened bottles)
    • Taste
      94 94
      oh yes, mineral, salty, smooth (the first step)
      Oily / creamy
      Light ashiness, port (dark berries)
      Coffee (very strong) with cocoa (strong)
      Tannins emerge (please keep within limits)

      Second sip: now there are violets! Interplay - goes and comes back violently. And steam boiler is here!

      Taste is slightly behind the nose!
    • Finish
      93 93
      Port holds up with light bitter substances
      Coffee, dark fruits
      Unfortunately I don't have any violets (today) and there is also no steam boiler.

      Second sip: violets stay in the throat.
      Hmmm, that's my thing!
      Will definitely get better with time.

  19. Bowmore Axel scored this whisky 94 points Connoisseur

    As you can see, Bowmore diverged from the 1980s
    the ghosts. Some don't like it at all, others think it's great.
    For me this is my 2nd best open bottle.
    • Nose
      90 90
      Salty, maritime, ocean scent, peppermint, slightly after
      Smoked ham, ripe peach
    • Taste
      98 98
      Full power right at the start. Very nice and sweet.
      Salty - maritime, ripe peach, tart yellow fruit,
      mineral - metallic, floral, lavender, peppery.
    • Finish
      95 95
      Peppery, sweet, flowery, steam boiler, salty, soapy.
      Delicious.

  20. Dottore scored this whisky 90 points Expert Senior

    Certainly one of the most notorious representatives of the French Whore Perfume of the 80s Bowmore. In the nose you don't even have the massive violet notes and the soap. Port wine, red berries, ladyfingers, meat broth and light smoke appear here. Very appetizing. In the mouth it gets heavy: sweet and bitter with a really massive violet note. In addition, the typical Bowmore smoke. Wacky, unmistakable and unique. Burnt custard. Rose water. You have to like it, I like it a lot!

  21. IgorKuznetsov scored this whisky 50 points Expert Senior

    21 порт каск? Где? Спасибо за аромат французских духов. Больше такой виски не хочу.
    • Nose
      60 60
      Аромат как будто выдерживали в бочке из под хороших французских духов. Chanel 5.
    • Taste
      50 50
      Вкус как будто мыло пожевал.
    • Finish
      40 40
      Финиш????. Хорошо что мыльные пузыри изо рта не пошли

  22. IgorKuznetsov scored this whisky 50 points Expert Senior

    21 port kask? Where? Thank you for the scent of French perfume. I don’t want any more such whisky.
    • Nose
      60 60
      The fragrance seemed to be kept in a barrel of good French perfumes. Chanel 5.
    • Taste
      50 50
      Taste as if chewing soap.
    • Finish
      40 40
      Finish????. It’s good that soap bubbles didn’t go out of my mouth

  23. SUSPIRIA.FOX scored this whisky 91 points Expert Senior

    • Nose
      87 87
    • Taste
      90 90
    • Finish
      90 90

  24. Bowmore Axel scored this whisky 94 points Connoisseur

    Very good, unfortunately also very expensive Bowmore
    with the typical 80s flowery
    (Violets, lavender)
    • Nose
      94 94
      At first a little cautious with distant, delicate smoke and a hint of the beach. But after a short warm-up it really goes off. Flowery aromas, somewhat old leather, workshop and coastal aromas, tart red and yellow fruits.
    • Taste
      96 96
      Immediately violent impact of sweetness, perfumed
      metallic - salty flavors, some white pepper,
      Citrus, tart plum, red fruits and
      delicate smoky notes. Very soft and ripe. give him
      Time in the glass. It is worth it ..
    • Finish
      92 92
      Medium length. Phenolic, salty, metallic, delicate bittersweet. Later some smoked ham in the empty glass.

  25. kot1803 scored this whisky 89 points Expert Senior

    • Nose
      90 90
    • Taste
      88 88
    • Finish
      89 89

  26. AH Whiskyvitrine scored this whisky 90 points Connoisseur

    • Nose
      89 89
    • Taste
      91 91
    • Finish
      92 92

  27. ALouis scored this whisky 89 points Expert Senior

    Color :
    Amber

    Nose :
    Beautiful peat on the fire.

    This peat is
    mixed with beautiful vinous notes, different from sherry, more
    subtle and floral.

    Notes of orange and
    marmalade in the background.

    The addition of water brings
    fruity notes and rose.

    Mouth :
    Peat is less present in the mouth, it is more about notes
    hot and fruity.

    First of chocolate,
    then some orange and some notes of exotic fruits back
    plan.

    Same in the mouth
    fruits are more present after a few drops of water.

    A beautiful maturation
    in Porto cask, a bit the profile of the Tempest but more complex and
    less peaty in the mouth.

  28. granella2003 did not rate this whisky Connoisseur

    This Bowmore is available on the market since 2009, has 21 years aged in barrels and exclusive Portwood is distilled in 1988. A beautiful, deep amber color with a very seductive ruby red glow.

  29. AlecM scored this whisky 94 points Expert Senior

    Nose: sweetness from the port, smoke, iodine, violets.

    Taste: Plum jam, liquorice then peat.

    Finish: peat and sweet + long and lingering.

  30. ALouis scored this whisky 89 points Expert Senior

    Bowmore 21 yo 1988/2009 Port Cask Matured - 51.5%

    Color: Amber
    Nose: Beautiful peat on the fire.
    This peat is mingled with beautiful vinous notes, different from sherry, more subtle and floral.
    Notes of orange and marmalade in the background.
    The addition of water brings fruity and rose notes.
    Palate: The peat is less present in the mouth, it is more about hot and fruity notes.
    First chocolate, then orange and some exotic fruits in the background.
    Ditto in the mouth the fruits are more present after a few drops of water.
    A nice maturation in Porto cask, a little profile of the Tempest but more complex and less peaty in the mouth.
    Rating: 89/100

  31. Cast Olila scored this whisky 87 points Connoisseur

    • Nose
      87 87
    • Taste
      86 86
    • Finish
      86 86

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