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Bowmore No.1

fresh woody
2.9
(6)€35Scotland, Islay, Single Malt

Flavours

Whisky character

Fresh
Warm
Mild
Full
Smooth
Spicy

Taste mentions

Facts

Bowmore has been distilling on the shore of Loch Indaal since 1779, making it the oldest distillery on Islay. Its No. 1 Vault sits below sea level, pressed against the loch wall, and the sea makes itself known in the spirit. Bowmore No.1 is matured in first-fill bourbon casks, which coax out vanilla and citrus. What you get in the glass is gentle smoke drifting over fresh apple and brine. A touch of cinnamon spice keeps things lively. This is an Islay whisky that invites you in rather than knocking you back.

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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

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About the Bowmore No.1

Bowmore No.1 is a single malt Scotch whisky from Islay, Scotland. Aged in first-fill bourbon casks at one of the country's oldest working distilleries. Bowmore was founded in 1779, making it the oldest distillery on Islay, and its No. 1 Vault sits below sea level against the wall of Loch Indaal. The sea air that drifts through that vault becomes part of the whisky. In the glass, Bowmore No.1 opens with warm vanilla and honeycomb from the bourbon oak. Fresh citrus and a hint of lemon follow, alongside the characteristic brine and mineral salt of an Islay malt. Light smoky notes weave through without overpowering the fruit. The first-fill bourbon cask keeps the flavours clean and focused. The palate builds on that foundation. Cereal sweetness meets apple and floral touches, with cinnamon and pepper adding gentle spice. The oak gives structure without drying things out. Everything sits in balance at 40% ABV. Bowmore draws its character from the loch on one side and the Atlantic on the other. That position shapes every expression the distillery makes. The No. 1 Vault has centuries of maritime history in its walls. It gives this bottling a connection to place that few entry-level malts can claim. Bowmore No.1 is best enjoyed neat. Pour it into a wide glass and give it a moment. The vanilla and smoke settle, and the salt and citrus lift. It rewards patience without demanding expertise. A few minutes in the glass is all it needs.