Bowmore whiskey: description, history, brand types and reviews

2024 Author: Isabella Gilson | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 03:14

The huge gates of vault number 1 open, workers froze in anticipation, a loaded car slowly leaves the warehouse, and bottles tinkling merrily in the back, which will go to all points of the globe. Before the eyes of the public - another proof that old-fashioned enterprises can withstand competition.

The mentioned car brought one of the most status and expensive branded drinks to the docks, namely Bowmore whiskey. The distillery's promotional campaign mentions that it was the first in Scotland and remains the oldest functioning distillery in the Islay. Bowmore whiskey has earned a reputation for a rich and varied history, with the bitterness of World War II losses, the taste of the s alty waters of the distillers' homeland and the memories of old Scotland.

Excerpts from the history of formation

There is no documentary evidence that the distillery was actually organized in 1779. The first owner is known to have been John P. Simson, a merchant. However, he did not stay at his post for long and the manufactory went to the German settler Mutter, vice-consul of the Ottoman Empire.empire, Portugal and Brazil from the consulate of Glasgow. He changed the direction of the enterprise, brought innovations to the technological process, purchased a steamer to transport grain from the Scottish mainland and export bottles. It is he who is considered one of the most successful managers of the company, which is mentioned with dignity on the website of the distillery.

Subsequent owners

It should also be noted that in 1925 the company was taken over by J. B. Sheriff & Co., the new owner significantly expanded production, introduced several new technological lines. During the Second World War, Isla became home to several thousand soldiers, and a base for the repair and maintenance of submarines was located right there. The factory closed as most of the workers were employed in war production.

Later, already in 1945, the former owner was on the verge of complete ruin, because the process had to be debugged from the very beginning. In 1950, the distillery was taken over by William Gregor & Sons. The company is currently owned by Morrison-Bowmore Distillates, which in turn is part of a large Japanese beverages manufacturing and distribution group called Suntory. The former manufactory is now a high-tech factory that provides jobs for most of the population of Ayla.

Pricing and delivery

In September 2007, an auction house in London put up for sale Bowmore Vault Edition whiskey from the 1960syears at a price of 10 thousand pounds. The cost was due to rarity, but could not be compared with the second lot. Bowmore Legend 1859 Single M alt whiskey went under the hammer for £29,400. By the way, the owner was found very quickly. The price of Bowmore whiskey aged 12 years reaches 220-250 dollars, 16 years - 300 dollars. Older bourbon will have to be ordered separately by filling out a contact form from the supplier or by sending it to the official representative. The price of Bowmore Islay Single M alt whiskey 25 years old can reach $500. On the other hand, the cost of a simpler drink, which is simply called "Number 1" with an exposure of 24 months, will cost 25-40 dollars. Bourbon is supplied all over the world, the products are fully certified, and the technology and taste are patented.

Product varieties

Currently, Bowmore's main trading card includes a group of 5 main varieties, namely:

• Bowmoe 1 Whiskey aged 24 months;
• Bowmore 12 years old;
• Bowmore 16 years old;
• Bowmore 18 years old;
• Bowmore 25 years old.

In addition, depending on a certain popular event or holiday, a significant date, a limited edition is also released. Usually such a batch includes no more than a few thousand bottles, which are ordered in advance.

Production technology

Unlike most distilleries, Bowmore does not hide how they produce theirbourbon. There is no secret. The vast majority of drinks are single m alts, as wheat and rye do not grow in Islay. The technology involves the procedure of double distillation and distillation, which is also quite common in the production of whiskey. Exposure takes place in wooden barrels of cognac and brandy, preference is given to English woods.

The company as a whole advocates a policy of protectionism and tries to limit itself in the use of foreign raw materials or impurities. The recipe for the finished whiskey is extremely simple and does not include additional ingredients other than natural emulsions. At the same time, the products of the manufactory turn out to be very expensive and status. The price of Bowmore Whiskey 12 years old is beyond the purchasing power of most average buyers, so the company changed course long ago, and its capacity is only 2 million bottles per year.

Features of raw materials

Because the climate in the UK is so chaotic, one variety of grain from different territories can give a drink completely different characteristics, as can be the case with wine. Bowmore Whiskey contains Islay barley, which is part of the Inner Hebrides. Since the territory is small, grains are saturated with s alty, iodine air, as well as "smoke" from peat deposits. Together, this gives the drink a very uncharacteristic for whiskey sweetish taste. So, for example, Skyland barley would have a brighter, more pronounced taste of the distillate, since it would create ideal conditions for fermentation. It is also commendable that Bowmore whiskey remains an authentic product. The company is not going to switch to metal barrels and assures fans of the quality and authenticity of alcohol.

Flavor palette

Bowmore whiskey is highly appreciated by lovers and connoisseurs of the real taste of bourbon. It is not customary to mix it with ice or cola, as this will only spoil the original, rather soft palette. Ultimately, Bowmore Whiskey is a limited-edition, high-status spirit, so the taste brand and the bar for competitors are very high. The overwhelming emphasis in the fragrance is occupied by "smoke", woody shades. The taste is easily recognizable as a hint of vanilla, coconut, delicate citrus fruits. If you "roll" the liquid with your tongue, then the palate will burn the tart taste of the distillate, "flavored" with tobacco.

Bowmore Whiskey has an easily recognizable, rich palette and an unsurpassed, specific taste.

External whiskey data

The liquid has a soft golden color. The older the drink, the brighter the yellow tint of the alcohol becomes. Since the company uses predominantly barley, the whiskey has minimal sediment, is almost completely transparent, has a bright, rich smell, but without ethyl fumes. Each bottle of Bowmore is emblazoned with the sign "Number 1", indicating the corresponding inscription on the vault before entering the production. In addition, the company uses its own characteristicfont and a classic, long whiskey container.

Remarkably, those lucky enough to hold Bowmore 25 Year Old Whiskey in their hands will be surprised by the rich, brownish color of the liquid. At the same time, even such a tart and old drink is devoid of sediment, which indicates accuracy during aging and distillation.

Threat of fakes

Any expensive and status alcohol is at risk of counterfeiting. Unfortunately, this threat hasn't bypassed Bowmore whiskey either. Before the buyer decides to purchase a bottle, you should familiarize yourself with what a genuine bottle of alcohol looks like. Otherwise, the consumer runs the risk of purchasing a low-quality surrogate. You should, of course, contact the official distributor directly, who can deliver. The bottle will come in a special box with a filler, you don’t have to worry about safety. You should immediately check the presence of an excise tax, as well as the fact that the container is sealed. After that, you need to pay attention to the aroma and taste of the drink. It should not "give" ethyl.

Bowmore whiskey is a classic representative of the "old guard" with its own indescribable charm. This drink is the fruit of the labor of many savvy people who make products, including in order to maintain the reputation of such an old brand.