peaty malty
4.1
(16)
€100Scotland, Islay, Single Malt

Flavours

Whisky character

Fresh
Warm
Mild
Full
Smooth
Spicy

Taste mentions

Facts

Bowmore stands as Islay's first licensed distillery, established in 1779 on the shores of Loch Indaal. Salt air drifts through the warehouses during the long maturation. The whisky captures this maritime character alongside sweet sherry influences. Chocolate and dark fruit notes emerge first, followed by gentle peat smoke and citrus brightness. Oak spices warm the palate without overwhelming. The finish lingers with cocoa and orange peel. This expression balances Islay's signature smokiness with elegant sweetness. Pour neat to appreciate the full complexity that eighteen years have built.

Compare prices

Compare prices by shop
ShopType Price
Master of Malt
Master of Malt
€148.73 ( £129 )
Drankdozijn
Drankdozijn
€99.95

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About the distillery

Distillery

Bowmore

Bowmore is a Scotch whisky distillery located in the town of Bowmore on the Scottish island of Islay. It is one of the oldest distilleries on the island, having been established in 1779 by local merchant David Simson. Bowmore is known for producing a range of peated and unpeated single malt whiskies. The distillery sources its water from the nearby Laggan River, which is said to contribute to the unique character of its whiskies. The barley used in production is malted on site using traditional floor malting techniques. The distillery has its own cooperage, where skilled craftsmen create and repair casks used for maturing the whisky.

4Average rating

147Whiskies on Distilld

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Islay

Most popular whiskies from Bowmore

About the Bowmore 18 years

Bowmore 18 years is a single malt Scotch whisky from Islay. Matured in a combination of ex-bourbon and Oloroso sherry casks. This Scottish island expression showcases Bowmore distillery's signature style with remarkable depth and balance. The distillery has operated continuously since 1779, making it the oldest licensed distillery on Islay. Maritime influences shape every drop, as sea air mingles with the maturing spirit in traditional warehouses overlooking Loch Indaal. This coastal environment imparts subtle salt and mineral notes that define authentic Islay character. The extended eighteen-year maturation allows these influences to develop fully. Bowmore maintains traditional production methods including floor malting and direct-fired copper pot stills. These techniques contribute to the whisky's distinctive character profile. The extended maturation in warehouse Number One, built below sea level, adds further depth to the spirit. On the nose, gentle peat smoke interweaves with rich chocolate and warm butterscotch. Dark fruits emerge alongside citrus brightness and oak spice complexity. The palate delivers layers of sweet and smoky flavours. Plum and apricot notes dance with medicinal peat undertones. Wood influences provide structure without dominating the delicate fruit character. Bowmore 18 years drinks beautifully neat, allowing each flavour component to express itself fully. The finish extends gracefully with cocoa richness and fresh fruit sweetness. This whisky represents Bowmore craftsmanship at its finest. Where time and maritime terroir create exceptional single malt complexity for discerning whisky enthusiasts seeking balanced Islay character. Perfumed floral notes and pine wood spice add further nuance to the finish.