Bowmore Black Rock is a no age statement single malt and part of a travel retail whisky range that is reflective of Islay.
In the travel retail market, Bowmore had an existing range with Enigma 12 yo, Bowmore Mariner 15 yo and Bowmore 17 yo. This was followed by a trio which includes Bowmore Black Rock, Bowmore Gold Reef and Bowmore White Sands.
Bowmore Black Rock derives its name from the large black rock that rises out of the water in Loch Indaal, in the vicinity of the distillery. Bottled at 40% ABV and peated at 25 ppm, the no age statement single malt whisky matured in predominantly ex-sherry casks. The whisky gets its bold sherry flavours from first fill casks, complexity and depth from second fill sherry and from ex bourbon casks.
In the glass, it is deep gold-copper in colour but it is no secret that Bowmore chill filter and use caramel colouring for consistency. On the nose, there is a soft sweetness with some caramel, oranges, and spicy tannins. On the palate, it starts smokey upfront then leads onto luscious sherry fruits and a sweet combination of raisins, cinnamon spice, Christmas cake with a hint of saltiness at the end. This dram pairs well with chocolate. The finish is one of a sherried peated dram but is rather short and indicative of a young whisky. A higher ABV may have given it more punch but would come at a higher price.
Bowmore Black Rock comes in a 1 litre bottle and is available in travel retail.
This article was originally published on August 13, 2015 on our sister website Gourmantic.
