Bowmore 25 yo Blackadder 1973 / 1998 Blackadder #3174 51.2% vs Bowmore 20yo 1976 / 1996 Signatory 3548/49 52.6%
Bowmore 25 yo Blackadder 1973 / 1998 Blackadder #3174 51.2%
Well it’s certainly not fruity. But it’s got hot engine room, blackened rags heavy with grime and salt spray on wooden decks. Nothing to cast aspersions on. Heavily lacquered oak planks, white ash and cigar smoke; But out of a nowhere a musky cantaloupe beckons with a slow and heavy lidded smile. A teaspoon of mint liqueur and we are distinctly turning away from the sea. Chamomile and elderflower tea, sweetened with a musty honey, but nothing approaching the floralcy of the 80s for sure. A bit out of sorts. 88 pts
Bowmore 20yo 1976 / 1996 Signatory #3548/49 52.6%
This one has its sea legs on. But its a docile sunny sea. Trawler catch bringing in muddy nets and catch. One cannot help but view the panorama with quiet. Driftwood here, and on the wind a rather aromatic sort of resinous incense smoke plus ash and salt. Very much spot on for Islay. Salt on the tongue and fresh seaweed. An open tin of tobacco next to salted limes in a bowl. All good, somewhat little laconic. 89 pts
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