Bowmore Darkest 15, 43% abv.

The marketing on this bottling says the juice is matured in ex-Bourbon casks for 12 years and then spends the last 3 years in Oloroso Sherry casks which is why it is so dark, but e150a caramel coloring is actually added. Given the actual coloring when compared to other sherry cask related Bowmores, it's not known if very little coloring is added or if the sherry casks used for the Darkest were significantly used up.

Nose: wood and smoke.

Palate: good body, significant wood, a good amount of smoke, hints of spice, after a few sips major grapes, floral notes become much stronger with more sips, backseat wood.

Finish: short to medium.

Interestingly the flavors don't seem to stay that long, but pretty strong wood flavors and a good amount of smoke follows. Bartender/owner told us the "15" on the label indicates its an old bottle and is better than the current NAS version of a similar name. I didn't get any particular sherry notes and appreciate it for the intensity and smokiness. Had this at Bar Feather, Seoul, South Korea.

Grade: B-

Whiskyanalysis.com, 8.61 ± 0.31 on 23 reviews
Scotchwhisky, Dave Broom, 71 points
Malt maniacs, Ho-cheng Yao, 90 points
Thewhiskeywash, Joe Micallef, 79/100
Thewhiskeyjug, Josh Peters, 82/100
Whisky advocate, John Hansell, 90 point
Whiskynotes, Ruben Luyten, 80/100
Ralfy, 87
Lawhiskeysociety, average, B- on 5 reviews

Image courtesy of Eric Yee.

Eric Yee

🇭🇰 🇺🇸(LA, SF) -> 🇯🇵 (京都, 東京) -> 🇰🇷 (서울, 부산)