LeeEvolved
Bowmore Gold Reef
Single Malt — Islay, Scotland
Reviewed
August 7, 2017 (edited June 17, 2018)
As I slowly begin to ease my way back into scotch after a bit of a break, I was sent a travel retail exclusive sample by my friend, Paul M from Detroit. This is a new NAS single malt from Bowmore. It's 43% and has some coloring added, all while being chill filtered.
I have always been a bit of a Bowmore fanboy. I cut my teeth on their core level, smoky Islay malts. As I've become more experienced I've left them behind when it comes to peated whisky. The Ardbeg's, Laphroaig's and Lagavulin's offered on the island have captured my heart and I haven't really looked back. That's why I was so happy to land a sample I would never be able to acquire on my own and get properly reacquainted with Bowmore.
On the nose, this one opens with a nice blast of Caribbean fruit- sweet and really pungent. The smoke is pretty integrated and really softens the edges, but at the same time I think it also robs it of what should be a lively and zesty initial impression.
The palate compliments the nose- almost to a T. The oily tropical fruit rolls across the tongue and there's a great hit of salt to remind you this is a blend of malts aged lovingly at or below sea level. There's just enough smoke to completely hide the bitterness that should be present with juice that's definitely under 10 years of age. A little bit of heat builds slowly and follows into the medium length finish. This is where the youth finally shows up as it grows to a nice burn and leaves you ready for another sip.
Overall, a very solid Bowmore malt. Age or no age statement this one was clearly well blended and sourced from some good stock. If the ABV was higher and it left you gasping a bit I think it would rank up there with some of the best stuff I've had from Bowmore. As it is, it's a strong 4.25-4.5. I'd love to have a full bottle lying around for every time I wanna stroll down memory lane and reconnect to my youthful days as a scotch fanatic. Thanks again, Paul. This is a winner IMO. Cheers.
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This one really grew on me. It's so different for an Islay. If it wasn't peated it could pass for a Highland, possibly an experimental Oban. This is definitely a spring/summer dram, but I'd drink it all year. Glad you liked it