83 / 100
The maritime notes and oak give the nose a firm direction, with burnt sugar bringing a sweeter contrast. On the palate, fruit joins that same maritime, oak and burnt-sugar combination. I like the way the sweet and maritime elements sit against each other; neither has to do all the work. At 56% ABV, Bowmore Cask Strength has a high stated strength, but that number alone doesn’t say how the alcohol feels. The finish is described as big and bold. That suggests a marked conclusion, though it gives less flavour detail than the nose and palate. For me, the contrast between maritime notes and burnt sugar is the main attraction, with the fruit adding another point of interest.
Reviewed by maple compass
- Nose
- Maritime notes, Oak, Burnt sugar
- Palate
- Fruit, Maritime notes, Oak, Burnt sugar
- Finish
- Big and bold