This is a quick post to say cheers to the guys from the angels’ share and from Bowmore for a fun night last night. WE had a graet little tasting of the Bowmore 12 year old, the Bowmore 15 year old and the Bowmore 18 year old. Each of these was appealing to everyone - my personal favourite was the 15 year old.
After I rake through my notes and speak to Bill we’ll get the reviews up.
Slainte
admin on March 21st 2008 in Uncategorized
I mentioned in an earlier post that I had been exposed to a mature Laphroaig at way too tender an age when my taste buds were incapable of appreciating it. Since then I’ve only rarely gone back to this revered Islay malt and never in a suitable environment where I could observe it in peace and quiet. Would it still be the rich complex malt that I dimly remembered and which scares many single malt drinkers away to smoother locations?
Mid amber
Not as strong as I’d expected, slightly medicinal, a touch of iodine.
Initial taste impression
Rich, warm, peppery, dry-ish (though not as much as the Ardbeg).
Later impressions
Peat, not so much smoke, walnut. Not as complex as I’d expected nor as balanced as the Caol Ila.
First after-taste is long but not particularly distinctive. Later on a warmth at the back of the mouth is evident along with a taste reminiscent of chillies.
After a little water
The addition of even a small amount of water does nothing for this Laphroaig. There seems little in the way of aromatics released and it just tastes like weaker whisky.
To be honest I’m a little disappointed - I was expecting more of a challenge from this famous brand. It’s certainly not bad, indeed far better than many mainland drams (as long as you keep it well away from water!), but not in the class of the Caol Ila or the Ardbeg. Maybe I just got a poor sample - I’ll try ordering one next time I’m in a bar and see if there is any noticeable difference. However on the basis of this tasting I have the feeling that it needs to be stronger or older in order to fully blossom, so I’ll be interested to try one of the “specials” in later tastings.
Bill Marshall on March 20th 2008 in tasting notes, Laphroaig, Whisky Blogs, Islay, Malt Whisky
Recently Bowmore launched their new website, www.thebowmoreway.co.uk, it’s looking fun. I still don’t fully get the concept behind it. That said there are some cool little bits and pieces on it. the Bowmore videos are interesting.
Well I was going to embed some movies from the bowmore way on this page - but technical deficiencies have prevented me from doing so (I cant get them to work). Will keep trying and put them up as soon as I can.
If anyone has any thoughts on this new website from Bowmore Whisky please let us know in the comments below.
admin on March 12th 2008 in Bowmore, Malt Whisky, Whisky
