Last tasting we had three new Islay malts on the table, and one of them was this Bowmore 2003. Bowmore has always been a whisky that I find interesting — peatiness with a mild, almost floral side that keeps it balanced. But I hadn’t yet tried this particular 2003 bottling, so I was curious to see how it stood up.

Nose

Creamy and sweet with a light peat smoke. Citrus peel and lemon zest jump out first, followed by gentle seaside brine. There’s also a faint note of vanilla and soft oak. It’s not as bold as some other Islay whiskies, but it’s balanced and inviting.

Palate

Quite smoky right from the first sip — more peat than the nose suggested. Charcoal and a touch of saltwater linger alongside chewy malt. The sweetness continues here, but it’s not overly sugary: more like honey-dipped peat.

Finish

Medium to long, with smoky embers and a slight tobacco edge. The citrus note returns briefly toward the end, helping to keep the finish sharp and fresh instead of heavy.

Overall Impression

This Bowmore isn’t an all-out peaty monster, but it’s very well-crafted and displays that classic Bowmore balance between smoke, sweetness, and coastal character. If you like your Islay with a bit of refinement alongside the peat, this one delivers.

Score

• Nose: 8

• Palate: 8

• Finish: 7

• Overall Experience: 8

• Price/Quality: 8

Total: 39 points ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4 stars)