Bowmore 17 YO White Sands

Bowmore 17 YO White Sands, 43 %

Bowmore recently announced their new Travel retail series. It consists of Bowmore Black Rock, Bowmore Gold Reef, and Bowmore 17 YO White Sands. I have now tried the last one, the Bowmore 17 YO White Sands.

It is bottled at 43 %. I would like to see this increased to 46 %, and to see a stop to this chill filtration nonsense. It has been matured in bourbon casks.

The retail price for Bowmore 17 YO White Sands is GBP 80, and it is by far the most expensive in this new range.

Nose (21/25): Quite mild presentation. Mild smoke, mild toffee, and mild fruits. It's all very well-behaved, and a bit reserved.

Taste (22/25): Hello! So we have now been properly introduced, and I find that there are interesting features here. Fudge and vanilla, with a quite oily/creamy mouth-feel. I do get some fruits here as well, and a hint a grapefruit.

Finish (22/25): Medium long, and not particularly warm. Milk chocolate, caramel sauce, darker fruits and some smoke - but not much.

Balance (21/25): A soft-spoken Bowmore. If you want salt and sea spray with your Islay whisky, then this is not for you. But it is a fine dram.

Score (86/100)

Image from Bowmore Distillery.

Sláinte! - Thomas