Bowmore 10yo The Devil's Casks Small Batch Release II 56.3% 700ml

The Bowmore 10yo The Devil's Casks Small Batch Release II is a remarkable single malt whisky, hailing from the esteemed Bowmore Distillery on Islay, Scotland. Matured for over 10 years in first-fill sherry casks, this whisky is bottled at a robust 56.3% ABV. It is the second release in The Devil's Casks series, renowned for its exceptional quality and limited availability, with only 6000 bottles produced in 2014. Bowmore Distillery, established in 1779, is Islay's oldest distillery and has a storied history. After experiencing periods of varying quality, the distillery saw a resurgence of excellence under the ownership of Stanley P. Morrison in 1963 and later, the Japanese firm Suntory in 1994. The Devil's Casks Small Batch Release II is steeped in local legend. It is said that the devil once visited the church in Bowmore and was chased through the village into the distillery, where he escaped in a cask of Bowmore whisky bound for the mainland. This whisky's deep ruby hue and illustrious flavor profile are a testament to its exclusive maturation in sherry casks. Aromas of maple syrup, toffee, and dried fruits greet the nose, while sea salt, stewed dark fruit, and walnut whip tantalize the palate, culminating in a long and lingering finish.

FAQs

• What makes Bowmore 10yo The Devil's Casks Small Batch Release II unique?

  This whisky is unique due to its maturation in first-fill sherry casks for over 10 years, its limited release of only 6000 bottles, and its rich backstory tied to local legend.

• What is the ABV of Bowmore 10yo The Devil's Casks Small Batch Release II?

  The ABV (alcohol by volume) of this whisky is 56.3%, bottled at cask strength.

• Which distillery produces this whisky?

  This whisky is produced by Bowmore Distillery, the oldest distillery on Islay, established in 1779.

Tasting notes

• Aroma: Maple syrup, toffee, dried fruits, deep sherry, sweet peat, blackcurrants, dates, dark chocolate, strawberry candy, flints, liquorice, walnuts, tar, coal smoke, plum-lacquered ribs.
• Taste: Sea salt, stewed dark fruit, walnut whip, big smoke, barbecued pineapple, red berries, chocolate cake with cherries, thick and tarry, earthy notes, peppercorn, salty edge, ammonia, meaty notes, burnt rubber, iodine, burnt matches, citrus, mulled wine, apples, pears, Christmas spices, menthol, wet oak, peat dirt.
• Finish: Long, lingering, spice, oak, bitterness, dry, mineral, tannins, burnt notes, lemons, sweet liquorice, smoke, intensely spicy, bitter oak, pronounced saline notes.
• Overall: Bowmore 10yo The Devil's Casks Small Batch Release II is a robust and complex whisky that balances rich sherry sweetness with smoky, earthy undertones. Its high ABV and cask strength make it an intense experience, while the layers of flavors and aromas offer a nuanced and memorable tasting journey. This whisky is not for the faint-hearted but is a rewarding experience for those who appreciate depth and intensity in their dram.

Reviewer's opinion

Bowmore 10yo The Devil's Casks Small Batch Release II is a devilishly intriguing whisky that packs a punch with its high ABV and complex flavor profile. The interplay of rich sherry sweetness and robust smokiness creates a captivating experience, although some may find the sulfuric notes polarizing. This whisky demands patience and perhaps a splash of water to fully appreciate its depth. Overall, it's a formidable dram that leaves a lasting impression, particularly on those who enjoy bold and intense whiskies.