Bowmore N.1 is the entry-level single malt scotch whisky of the well-known Islay distillery. It is a no age statement malt, aged in first-fill ex-bourbon barrels from the Maker’s Mark distillery. The reference is to the famous warehouse Vault No. 1. The price is very competitive.
- Type: Single Malt
- Origin: Scotland
- ABV: 40%
- Cask: ex-Bourbon
- Age: NAS
- Price: $ 40 – € 30
- Details: –
TASTING NOTES – BOWMORE N. 1
Nose
From the beginning, the profile is not very intense, with light peat, between herbal and coastal, a drop of lemon, and mild hazelnut. Salinity is present but not too marked—generic vanilla. In the second phase, the contribution of yellow fruit (apple, peach, apricot) becomes more evident, probably due to relatively active barrels.
Palate
The palatal experience begins with a component of fresh and bitter herbal peat, a barely acidic note that increases salivation with a simple and basic sweetness. Vanilla is not too incisive, despite the spirit being aged in first-fill bourbon barrel. Delicate honey and coconut. Pleasant and quite creamy, but the reduced ABV makes the finish quite short-lasting.
Finish
Short, with mild peat and some residual sweetness.
Bowmore N.1 is one of the products whose flavor intensity is unfortunately low. However, the appeal of the distillery and the famous warehouse names are strongly evocative. The final product is not completely representative of Bowmore’s salt and peat nature. It is a light, balanced and creamy whisky, but also one that doesn’t last long in the drinker’s memory.