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Bowmore Gold Reef

malty fresh
4
(1)€50Scotland, Islay, Single Malt

Flavours

Whisky character

Fresh
Warm
Mild
Full
Smooth
Spicy

Taste mentions

Facts

Bowmore was founded in 1779, making it the oldest distillery on Islay. Its spirit sleeps in the famous No. 1 Vaults, a seaside warehouse below sea level where salt air seeps into every cask over the years. This bottling leans on first-fill bourbon barrels rather than heavy peat. So the lighter side of the distillery comes through. Expect ripe pear, crisp apple and a burst of pineapple, with banana and a soft floral lift behind them. The malty backbone keeps it grounded while gentle spice warms the close. Pour it neat and let the fruit unfold.

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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.

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147Whiskies on Distilld

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Islay

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About the Bowmore Gold Reef

Bowmore Gold Reef is a single malt Scotch whisky from the Bowmore distillery on Islay. The storied island off the west coast of Scotland. Founded in 1779, Bowmore is the oldest distillery on Islay and home to the legendary No. 1 Vaults. That seaside warehouse sits below sea level, where Atlantic air works its way into the casks. Bowmore Gold Reef takes its name from the golden glow of the reefs near the distillery at sunset. It was created for travel retail and matured mostly in first-fill bourbon casks. Those American oak barrels steer this whisky toward bright, juicy fruit. The nose opens with fresh apple, ripe pear and a wave of tropical pineapple. There is banana sweetness too, lifted by a clean floral note. Each sip stays fresh and lively from start to finish. A faint coastal note hums in the background. It is a quiet reminder of where this whisky was made. Underneath the fruit runs a malty, cereal-rich core that gives the spirit real shape. A thread of gentle spice builds through the middle. The classic Islay smoke is dialled right back here, so the fresh fruit character leads instead. Bottled at 43% ABV, it drinks easily without losing focus. The balance between fruit and gentle oak is spot on. This is a softer, sunnier take on an island famous for big peated drams. It rewards drinkers who want Islay character without a wall of smoke. It suits anyone curious about Islay single malt who wants the lighter end of the spectrum. Serve it neat in a tulip glass and give it a few minutes to breathe.