Bowmore Distillery has stood on the shores of Loch Indaal, a sea loch that opens out into the Atlantic Ocean, since 1779. The distillery’s proximity to the sea plays a vital role in shaping the final character of the spirit, which breathes in the salty sea air all the while it’s maturing.

Matured in an inspired combination of both bourbon and sherry casks, it’s the final three years spent in Oloroso sherry casks that gives Bowmore 15 Years Old ‘Darkest’, one of the most beautifully balanced Bowmores, the rich, deep colour reflected in its name, and its warming finish.

Bowmore Distillery has stood on the shores of Loch Indaal, a sea loch that opens out into the Atlantic Ocean, since 1779. The distillery’s proximity to the sea plays a vital role in shaping the final character of the spirit, which breathes in the salty sea air all the while it’s maturing. Matured in an inspired combination of both bourbon and sherry casks, it’s the final three years spent in Oloroso sherry casks that gives Bowmore 15 Years Old its rich, deep colour.

This stylish gift set includes a beautifully crafted decanter, giving a pouring experience to rival the taste.

It exudes an aroma of delicious dark chocolate, sun-dried fruits and a tell-tale wisp of Islay smoke. It is wonderfully full bodied and rich with a complex and warming finish.

An 18 year old expression bottles at 43%volume. Andrew Rankin, Bowmore’s Production Director, specifies a mix of cask types for each bottling of his single malts, including the Bowmore 18YO. The casks are matured in the distillery’s No.1 Vaults, built in the late 1700s and the oldest maturation warehouse in Scotland. It is also the only warehouse below sea level – dark and damp, and the thick stone walls seep salt water. So when you taste this splendid malt, think of where it spent the last eighteen years. There is no substitute for time in the right casks under the right conditions!

Polished beech in colour, the aroma seems to match this: polished wood to the fore, with gentle smoke behind. In between are scents of dry seaweed and canvas, hemp ropes and lanolin, then caramel rises to dominate. The taste is a surprise after the mellow aroma: big, sweet, salty and smoky at full strength; more floral, less salty and smoky at reduced strength. Both with some spice in the finish.

This Islay single malt from Bowmore distillery is the first in the Vintner’s Trilogy of limited editions imbuing Bowmore’s signature flavour with attributes from the finest wine, port and sherry casks. This 18 year old spent its first 13 years in bourbon barrels before being transferred to Manzanilla sherry casks for another 5 years. Presented non chill-filtered at a cask strength of 52.5% abv.The nose has rich treacle, Seville oranges, blackcurrants, salted caramel and subtle mint. The palate is balanced with bursts of peat and bitter Seville oranges, before a dry and long lasting finish.