I posted about this Scotch in a Bourbon forum when a friend and I compared it to some top shelf bourbons. I thought that since I look upon it with such favor, I would post some tasting notes.
Because it is an Islay Scotch one expects a bit more of the smokey, peaty, seaside aromas and taste...............and they are there. But I also found a set of nicely complex aromas that were very satisfying in their own right.
The sherry was very prominent and gave the aroma a subtle fruitiness and sweetness. I also picked up vanilla and caramel from the wood. Not to be missed either were the citrus aromas and a smidge of clover...... and even leather. Something akin to the warmth of rye was lurking about in there too.
The taste was as good as the nose. the rich complex set of flavors promised in the nose emerged as the beautiful liquid spread across the mouth.
The finish was moderately long and deep, maintaining the complexity to the last. A very satisfying whisky to be sure.
I am not a very knowledgeable Scotch drinker, although I have been drinking Scotch for quite a few years and have had a fair sampling of excellent drams. This was my first experience with Bowmore. I've been meaning to get to it for a long time. But Bourbon got in the way until I bought this bottle for an Islay Scotch loving friend who, like me, is unwilling to pay $90 or more for a bottle of Lagavulin when not long ago it could be had for $50. The Bowmore Darkest Islay sells for under $50 and, if you like Scotch, is a bargain in my opinion.