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Bowmore Distillery, Islay
Bowmore Distillery has been situated on the rugged Hebridean Island of Islay since 1779 and is the second oldest distillery in Scotland today. The location of the distillery on this wind swept Isle has played an important part in determining the legendary smoky and rich character of the single malt whisky it produces.
Bowmore Single Malt is produced using water from the nearby Laggan River which echo's the flavours of the Islay peat that is also used in the fires of the malt-drying kiln. The distillery is one of the last to have maintained a tradition of malting its own Barley by hand turning with wooden malt shovels.
The character of the single malts is further developed in the famous seaside vaults, where the whiskies are kept for up to 40 years in Spanish and American casks.
Islay Whisky
The whisky region of Islay (pronounced eye-la) is arguably the most important 200 or so square miles in the whisky world. On the face of it Islay just another island of the Inner Hebrides. It lies in Argyll just to the west of Jura and around 25 miles north of the Irish coast, which can be seen on a clear day.
The island's fame as far as whisky goes is due to the 8 distilleries currently in production and the vast tracts of peat that cover most of the island's surface. The whisky distilleries are: Ardbeg, Bowmore, Bruichladdich, Bunnahabhain, Caol Ila, Kilchoman (this is the newest distillery on the island which started producing spirit in 2005), Lagavulinand Laphroaig.
The 8 distilleries with whisky for sale can be divided up, depending on the amount of peat used. The `big 3' are Ardbeg, Lagavulin and Laphroaig who all produce powerful smoke laden whiskies. The new malt produced by Kilchoman is also very powerful indeed.
Occupying the middle ground are Bowmore and Caol Ila. The whiskies produced at Bruichladdich and Bunnahabhain are in peat terms at least, the lightest.
There were more distilleries in the past: Port Ellen closed in 1983 while the Lochindaal at Port Charlotte closed in1929. The buildings at Port Ellen are however still in use, it is here that malted barley for the island's distilleries is produced.
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Description
Nose: Dark chocolate and raisin aromas compliment the classic Bowmore smokiness. Palate: Wonderful cedar wood and rich treacle toffee flavours. Finish: Robust and warming with a hint of sherry tannin.
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