Bowmore Deep & Complex 18 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)

Double Gold Medal & awarded the top expression in the travel retail segment at the 2019 San Francisco Spirits Competition.

This is the duty free version of Bowmore's 18 year old classic and comes with a heavier sherry imprint due to maturation in x Oloroso and x Pedro Ximenez casks. It shows in the richer colour. Not long after it was launched in the first half of 2017, it became the distillery’s darling, picking up a double gold for its combination of ripe fruit, dark chocolate and Islay smoke at the 2019 San Francisco Spirits Competition. That's no mean feat, given that there were more than 3000 entries (the largest number in the competition's history), all blind tasted in a controlled environment. A majority almost certainly would have been whisky. David Turner, Manager at Bowmore Distillery acknowledged that the accolade was “...one of the top awards for the industry" , adding that "it's an honour to have picked up so many medals across our range. Travel retail is a major market for Bowmore, testament to the high esteem that the distillery is held in across the globe."

Of the plentiful customer reviews posted on global retailer's sites, many now seem to preference this bottling over the general release 18 year old (selling for upwards of $180 in Australia). Put it all together and it looks like a bargain. If you revel in the richness and maritime complexity that these sherry-peat hybrids express so eloquently, this should tick almost every box. Limited availability at this direct import price. 43% Alc./Vol.

Other reviews... The nose is redolent of a damped-down bonfire, with stewed fruit, wood spice, and pipe tobacco. There are red berries, subtle peat, a hint of iodine, and soft oak on the complex palate. The finish yields more tobacco, oak, rich peat, and spicy dark chocolate. 94 points - whiskyadvocate.com, reviewed by: Gavin Smith, 2020

Notes from the producers... Breathe In: Rich dark chocolate, treacle toffee and date oil. Sip: Bitter-sweet orange peel and peat-smoke roasted coffee. Savour: Velvet mocha and macadamia nut chocolate.