Bowmore 9 years old Sherry Cask Matured

A beautiful colour, but?

Distillery : Bowmore
Whisky : 9 Years Old, Sherry Cask Matured, Limited Release

Presentation : Cardboard box, some whisky and distillery information, clear bottle with cork stopper
Source : Asda Supermarket
Price : £15

Characteristics : 700ml, 40% ABV, NCF, Coloured 😒
Box/Bottle Information : "Matured in a combination of the finest Oloroso sherry and bourbon casks. Bowmore 9 Years Old reflects the natural elements that surround the No. 1 Vaults and the generations of tradition within. On the eye treacle amber, Breathe in rich cocoa, pepper and raisins balanced with citrus tang and wisps of Islay smoke, Sip complex sherry with peak smoke followed by dark fruits and sweet crème caramel, Savour the perfect balance of sea salt and peat smoke."

Colour : Old Oak (looks great but is artificial).

Glance : Oily, leaves thin trails when swirled around the glass.

Nose : I was expecting a typical Islay peaty whisky with sherry tones but actually got pleasant earthy toffee with smoke.

Palate: Watery, yes very plain with a touch of sherry.

Finish : Slight alcohol burn, short smoke, no real aftertaste.

Overall : I've not tried a Bowmore in an awfully long time - I think it was a 12yo (Clear Label) in around June '07. This bottle had a lot to live up to but ultimately disappointed, yes it was only a 9yo and yes it was only £15, but as a limited release I get the impression they are just trying to dump a few bad casks - it might have been better to release them as a NAS mixed with some better quality casks. Michael Jackson claimed, about Bowmore, that some "tasters have found it difficult to unfold it's complexity", once again he was right.

Link : Not currently on the Bowmore website.