Whisky Focus - Bowmore Small Batch Reserve

Bowmore launches new expression: Bowmore Small Batch Reserve.

Bowmore have launched a new expression in the UK, Bowmore Small Batch Reserve. Uniquely created from a selection of the finest first- and second-fill bourbon casks, and brought together for an extended period of maturation, this expression is Bowmore’s most delicate and best balanced yet. The combination of the Bowmore spirit and ex Bourbon casks is widely regarded as the perfect marriage as demonstrated by the layers of sweet vanilla that prevail within this whisky. The new addition coincides with the release earlier this year of new packaging across the core range and new travel retail expressions. Bowmore Small Batch Reserve is available from select off-trade accounts from May at RRP £32.99.

As Bowmore’s lightest and most delicate expression to date, Small Batch Reserve has been developed especially for the discerning whisky drinker wishing to explore the Islay Single Malt category. With over 230 years of experience and its unique location on Islay, Bowmore is widely acknowledged to be among the finest and most balanced whiskies in the world, renowned for its rich peaty and smoky tones. Bowmore Small Batch Reserve is no different and one sip transports the drinker to its magical island home. The packaging also encapsulates Bowmore’s Islay heritage, traditions and craftsmanship, giving consumers a sense of drinking a specific place, history and way of life.

Launched also in response to increased consumer demand for special and small batch whiskies, Bowmore’s new proposition is just that. A genuine release of limited volume, Small Batch Reserve is vatted in restricted quantities and is created from a careful hand selection of exceptional North American Oak casks brought together to produce a unique expression of remarkable style and character.

Exclusively matured in first and second fill ex Bourbon casks, then blissfully married together, Small Batch Reserve exhibits the best qualities of both. First-fill bourbon offers delicious vanilla sweetness, subtle spices and bourbon oak smoke to complement Bowmore’s gentle peaty smokiness, while the second-fill cask enhances Bowmore’s fresh fruity complexity and showcases its trademark honey and creamy malt character. During the marrying period, they combine to create an exceedingly complex expression, showcasing the perfect balance between top quality bourbon cask sweetness and spice, and the natural elements of Islay; air, water, earth and fire beautifully balanced and in perfect harmony.

Rachel Barrie, Master Blender of Morrison Bowmore Distillers, adds: "Bowmore Small Batch Reserve encapsulates the perfect harmony of nature’s elements on a summer’s day on Islay. The sweetest smoked barley and highest quality bourbon oak casks have created a vanilla elixir with ripe orchard fruits, honeycomb and teasing wispy smoke. Relax, take it easy and enter Islay time with the harmonious taste of Small Batch Reserve."

Refreshing Idea For The Summer

Experience the delicious, if not unusual, combination of Bowmore Small Batch Reserve accompanied with some high-quality vanilla ice cream drizzled with olive oil and a sprinkling of sea-salt. See how the vanilla ice cream brings out the sweet vanilla from the first- and second-fill bourbon casks, the olive oil complements the Bowmore peat smoke, while the salt highlights the trademark Bowmore sea-salt tang.
 

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