Recent Release: Bowmore 1996-2015 Wemyss Malts 54.7%

This whisky clearly showcases its fruit and peat characteristics, with the cask strength being evident. Bowmore BOWMORE 1996-2015 Wemyss Malts 54.7% - One of 269 bottles, Hogshead The aroma is fruity, with notes of passion fruit and pineapple, mild barley undertones, a subtle dashi-like seafood broth, and a slightly damp yet robust peat. On the palate, it delivers tropical fruit flavors reminiscent of passion fruit, with a juicy sweetness and acidity, some oiliness, umami-rich dashi-like seafood notes, and a peaty finish that builds toward the end. The aftertaste is long, fruity, and peaty. [Good/Very Good] Last year's Wemyss bottling of Bowmore 1996, aged for approximately 19 years. While Wemyss often bottles its malts at 46% ABV, this bottle is filled at cask strength. The first impression is strongly fruity, with ample passion fruit character and a juicy freshness. Here, the typical Islay malt elements like dashi-like seafood notes and powerful peat are also clearly present. Due to its cask strength, the appealing characteristics are more pronounced and assertive, yet balanced without any harshness or lingering bitterness. This feels like the best of cask strength—clear, expressive, and well-balanced. As expected from Wemyss, masters of dilution, their decision to forgo dilution here is first-rate.