Bowmore® Single Malt Scotch Whisky Introduces Bowmore® Small Batch
Bowmore® Single Malt Scotch Whisky Introduces Bowmore® Small Batch
Islay, Scotland (October 9, 2014) – Bowmore, the first distillery on Islay established in 1779, is proud to introduce its latest expression – Bowmore® Small Batch Single Malt Scotch Whisky – a perfect and accessible embodiment of the Taste of Islay. The distillery has used its centuries-long experience to create a perfect combination of flavors that encapsulate Scotch from Islay, known as the Queen of the Hebrides.
Exclusively matured in first and second-fill ex-bourbon casks, Small Batch evokes the Islay house character of gentle peat smoke, salt, citrus and vanilla. Considered by many to be among the most well-balanced whiskies, Bowmore Small Batch makes for a wonderful dram for those wanting to experience an Islay single malt.
Rachel Barrie, Morrison Bowmore Distillers Master Blender, says, “If I could select only one dram to transport an enthusiast to Islay, it would be Small Batch. No one liquid better showcases the tranquility and elegance of the Island.”
Crafted from two different types of bourbon cask which are married together, Small Batch exhibits the best qualities of both: First-fill ex-bourbon casks imparts a delicious vanilla sweetness, subtle spices and a bourbon-style oak smoke, created by charring of the barrel in the bourbon production process. The second-fill ex-bourbon casks impart fruit and salty flavors which enhance Bowmore Scotch Whisky’s fresh fruity complexity and its trademark honey and creamy malt character. The result is a single malt that is exceptionally balanced between salt and sweetness. Visit here to watch a short animation about the making of Bowmore Small Batch.
Bowmore Small Batch is available nationwide in the US now and will be released globally as well. It will be a permanent addition to the Bowmore core range of Scotch whiskies and will retail for a suggested $39.99/750ml.
Tasting Notes – Bowmore Small Batch Scotch Whisky, 40% ABV
On the eye: warm gold
Breathe in: vanilla fudge, sea air and peat smoke, balanced beautifully by honeycomb and cinnamon spice
Sip: mouth-watering citrus, gentle saltiness and vanilla with flakes of coconut
Savor: the wispy smoke, bourbon vanilla and lime finish
THE BOWMORE DISTILLERY
Founded in 1779, Bowmore is the oldest Distillery on Islay. Islay malts are famous for their characteristic smokiness and Bowmore is no exception. Bowmore carefully smokes its malt and uses skills handed down from generation to generation to craft a perfectly balanced single malt. Bowmore's adherence to traditional production methods helps to shape the character of its single malts – they are one of only a few distilleries anywhere which still produces its own floor malted barley, hand-turned by traditional wooden malt shovels. It draws water from the Laggan River, with its rich peaty overtones, and it's the same Islay peat that fires the malt drying kiln.
Bowmore Distillery's close proximity to the sea is also vital in determining the final character of the spirit. The famous Bowmore No. 1 Vaults is where most of the whiskies spend their time resting quietly in the cool, dark, damp cellars below sea level, oblivious to the waves thrashing the Vault's sea-facing wall. They mature in oak casks, previously used for bourbon, sherry or claret, gradually developing rich and mellow flavors. It's this combination of peat, barley, sea breeze, water, wood, people and tradition that together create the perfectly balanced warm and smoky character of Bowmore single malt whiskies.