Dispatch
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Milroy’s Selection
Youthful Bowmore is always a treat, and this bottling feels fresh and vibrant, yet well-integrated Fresh blossom notes sit alongside powdery sherbet notes, but there’s still a delicate woodsmoke, too This is a fascinating example of Bowmore’s lighter side, a facet of the distillery that can be overlooked
— Milroy's Buying Team
Grassy, fresh and aromatic, the nose offers green apple, pear and orange blossom notes amid citrus peels, just-cut grass and a subtle organic smoke. Croissants, burnt biscuits and geranium notes add intricacy.
Much more prominent smoke here, with wood smoke setting in amid a dense, dessert-like texture. Burnt ice cream wafer and crisp chocolate brownie notes intertwine with pillowy marshmallow, candied peel and burnt twig notes.
A whole load of pepper arrives on the long finish, lifted by powdery, sherbet-like citrus peels.
About
Bowmore single malt Scotch whisky is one of the cornerstones of Islay’s whisky heritage, celebrated for its harmonious balance of peat smoke, maritime influence, and layered fruit character. Established in 1779, Bowmore is the oldest licensed distillery on Islay and one of the oldest in Scotland. Located on the shores of Loch Indaal, its sea-level warehouses, traditional floor maltings, and time-honoured methods have shaped its style for over two centuries.
Bowmore is one of the few distilleries in Scotland to retain its own working floor maltings, which supply a portion of its malted barley. This barley is dried over a peat fire, giving Bowmore its signature smoky character. While many Islay whiskies are famed for intense peat levels, Bowmore’s style is more measured, typically around 25ppm, resulting in a refined, approachable smokiness that integrates seamlessly with its fruity distillery character.
Fermentation takes place in large wooden washbacks, developing tropical fruit and floral notes that distinguish Bowmore from its island neighbours. Distillation in copper pot stills produces a medium-bodied spirit that balances sweetness, citrus brightness, and briny salinity with a gentle peat backbone.
Maturation is a defining feature of Bowmore’s quality. Much of the whisky is aged in the distillery’s famous No. 1 Vaults, the oldest maturation warehouse in Scotland, located below sea level. Here, the constant cool, damp air and proximity to the sea encourage slow ageing and impart a subtle maritime edge. A mix of American oak ex-bourbon barrels and European oak sherry casks creates a flavour spectrum ranging from vanilla, honey, and coconut to dried fruit, chocolate, and spice.
The core range includes the 12 Year Old, with its classic balance of citrus, peat, and honey; the 15 Year Old “Darkest”, finished in sherry casks for extra richness; and the 18 Year Old, offering deeper oak integration and velvety texture. Premium age statements such as the 25, 30, and 40 Year Old demonstrate the distillery’s remarkable ageing potential, while limited editions and travel retail exclusives highlight experimental cask types and unique flavour combinations.
Independent bottlings of Bowmore, particularly from the 1960s and 1970s, are legendary for their tropical fruit notes and are among the most sought-after whiskies in the world. While such vintages are now exceedingly rare, modern single cask releases continue to showcase the distillery’s complexity and finesse.
Bowmore occupies a unique place in Islay’s whisky spectrum — more elegant than the island’s peat powerhouses like Ardbeg and Laphroaig, yet with more smoke and maritime influence than lighter styles from the mainland. This makes it a versatile whisky for a wide range of palates and occasions.
Our Bowmore Single Malt Scotch Whisky range includes the full spectrum, from the approachable 12 Year Old to rare, collectible vintage releases. Whether you’re seeking an introduction to Islay malts or a deeply aged, maritime-tinged dram for a special occasion, Bowmore offers a balance of smoke, fruit, and history that has stood the test of time for nearly 250 years.
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Bowmore 13 Year Old 2013 Milroy's Vintage Reserve 56.4% 70cl
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