GSN Review: Bowmore Devil’s Cask Single Malt Scotch Whisky

The Bowmore Distillery, located on the island of Islay was established in 1779. They use locally grown and floor malted barley, along imported malted and unmalted barley along with water from River Laggan to make their whiskies.
They have a huge range of ages and expressions (over 20), but this latest was inspired by a devilish tale.

“Legend has it that the devil once visited the church in Bowmore. Now if you’ve ever seen it, you’ll know that the church is circular, built that way (so it’s said) so there would be no corner in which the devil could hide. The local congregation spotted the devil and chased him down through the village, into the gates of Bowmore Distillery.”

Whether the story is true or not, this 10-year-old, first fill sherry cask aged, high-proof whisky is a mouthful.

Bowmore Devil’s Cask (113.8 proof)
Visual: Dark golden brown.
Nose: Wood smoke, and a sweet maltiness.
Taste: Thick, rich and intensely flavorful.  In spite of the high-proof, the sherry tempers things down.  There’s an almost dessert-like aspect to this whiskey which goes against intuition.  The smoke typical of an Islay is held in check, but welcomes you on the initial tasting.
Finish: Long, long, long.  There is a lot going on here which runs the gamut from ginger spice and clove to sherry wine fruitiness.  A whisky that keeps on giving and encourages contemplation.
Overall: Another excellent expression from Bowmore.  Grab a bottle of this while you can.
GSN Rating: A

For more information go to: Bowmore