BOWMORE 1969 Official Bottling 43%

Indeed, the official bottling with a wonderful sherry character and enchanting qualities. BOWMORE BOWMORE 1969 OB 43% The aroma offers a pleasant old sherry, grape-like notes reminiscent of long-aged Cognac, passion fruit, gentle sea breeze and smoky peat, a subtle dashi-like umami from seafood. Upon tasting, it begins with an extremely soft and smooth mouthfeel, expanding into a deeply sherry-influenced, fruit-forward profile with grape juice (skin included), passion fruit, a refined dashi-like umami, powerful peat presence, and a long, satisfying finish. 【Very Good/Excellent】 This official BOWMORE 1969 is a 43% ABV watered-down bottling. The bottling date is likely around 1990, suggesting a 21-year maturation period. The old sherry carries grape-like notes akin to Cognac, combined with BOWMORE's distinctive passion fruit intensity. The seaweed dashi and briny peat typical of Islay malts create a perfectly balanced, enchanting aroma. On the palate, it unfolds like velvet, with equally impressive sherry characteristics, grape juice, and passion fruit intensity. Additionally, the robust peat presence adds remarkable depth. Among 1960s BOWMORE bottlings, the Duncan Taylor version has a lighter cask influence with a pronounced grapefruit-like softness, which is also very appealing. However, this bottling stands apart with exceptional sherry depth and a bold, original fruitiness from the spirit. Despite being watered down, it lacks any watery or dried-out qualities, retaining the Islay peat character effectively. Truly a masterclass in official bottling - the difference is undeniable.