Bowmore – Whisky
At the heart of the island, on the shores of Loch Indaal, lies Islay’s oldest officially licensed distillery. It was founded in 1779 by the farmer David Simson. The distillery takes its name from its hometown, the island capital, Bowmore. Today, Bowmore is part of the international beverage corporation Suntory Beam. However, despite the Japanese influence, the quality of this traditional whisky remains unchanged. The expertise of the Japanese in producing premium whisky is also evident in other brands such as Auchentoshan.
Bowmore Whisky: A Well-Balanced Islay Malt
Bowmore is not only geographically located in the center of Islay but also sits in the middle when it comes to its phenol content. It is less peaty than the robust whiskies from the island’s southern coast but more intense than the milder varieties from the north. Some consider it the perfect entry-level whisky for newcomers to Islay malts, while others highlight its pronounced smoky note.
This distinctiveness comes from the production process: The peat is first compressed into briquettes, intensifying its aroma during malting. At the same time, this method reduces peat consumption by up to 75%. Sustainability plays a key role at Bowmore. A prime example is a repurposed warehouse that now serves as a swimming pool, heated using the distillery’s waste heat.
Bowmore Whisky – Multi-Layered and Unique
Bowmore is an exceptionally complex whisky. One possible reason for this is the water, which flows through various layers of rock, absorbing minerals that shape the whisky’s character.
The climate also plays a crucial role: No other location on Islay is as exposed to the west wind. The salty sea air influences the whisky’s maturation, giving it a delicate briny note that connoisseurs particularly appreciate.
