Bowmore Bicentenary ‘Distilled in 1964’ Soffiantino import 43% vs Bowmore Bicentenary multi-vintage NAS UK issue 43%
Bowmore Bicentenary ‘Distilled in 1964’ Soffiantino import 43%
A nose to swoon over, firstly deeply fruity in ways so tropical and juicy that it beggars belief. That’s one of three things to note about this iconic bottle. The other two being a dry and richly aromatic sherry component that’s earthy-bitter and sweetly-spiced in turns, which manages to be at once unobtrusive yet of unimpeachable quality; And also a growling coastal-peat matrix of saline facets, black smoke from beach bonfires of dried seaweed, branches and kerosene, and earthy elements of medicinal roots, black oils and tar. This harmonious trinity is a holy one, taken to an extreme by Largiemeanoch, but also doubtlessly sublime here. 92 pts
Bowmore Bicentenary multi-vintage NAS UK issue 43%
The question of which is the better version (not forgetting the various imports of the NAS) is a subjective one with no real meaningful answer. As expected this and the 1964 are cast from the same mould with little differences here and there. One might find that the 1964 seemed to have a thicker earthier sherry, whilst this UK version might be a notch cleaner, purer, more phenolic and perhaps the fruit seems brighter as a result. For that reason some might prefer the NAS this or that import, and others the 1964. Whatever the preference, we all know this is peak Bowmore. 92 pts
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