A brand new small batch release from the Islay distillery of Bowmore, bottled in 2009 and endowed with a batch number (something we’ll be seeing much more of in the near future). This bottling is at the cask strength of 55.3% and is from first fill bourbon casks. The nose is very good; delicate peat reek, spiciness from the oak along with honey and vanilla. After a short while in the glass the peat reek becomes much sweeter and the oak becomes slightly scented, think of a cedar lined blanket box but not overly so, all is in balance. After some more time there is some chocolate and earthy malt. With water the aromas expand and the sample becomes much earthier, think of the aroma of a dunnage warehouse, there is also a very faint hint of uncooked pizza dough and cold cooked rice. The taste is strong, earthy, sweet, warming and very much of peat reek followed by sweet wine, vanilla, toffee and the uncooked pizza dough from the aroma. After a short while it changes slightly to bring out chocolate malt. With water the sample is much sweeter and more balanced with the peat reek being in the fore along with some really good malt and spiciness from the oak.  The finish is malty, has loads of spiciness form the oak, chocolate (dark bitter & unsweetened), mild hints of diesel, brine, some maritime and more of the peated malt. The finish is very long, strong and warming, wafting up through the back of the throat. It’s very good.

It’s nice to see Bowmore expand on the standard line with such a high quality and reasonably priced expression.

C$82 at Kensington in Calgary and also available from Loch Fyne Whiskies

Score 87