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Published: November 19, 2014

Bowmore is a popular Scotch brand and has been producing fine whiskies since the distillery opened in 1779. Thought of as one of the great examples of whiskies produced in Northern Islay, Bowmore has a number of bottlings and in 2014 Bowmore Small Batch joined the lot as a permanent fixture.

This Small Batch is comprised of whisky aged in two distinct casks: first-fill and second-fill bourbon barrels.


The first gives the Scotch a sweet vanilla-oak aspect and the second brings in fruits and the saltiness that is a signature of Islay's whiskies. There is a soft peat smoke and a honey cream as well, making this a fine Scotch to use as an introduction to both Bowmore and Islay.

Bowmore Small Batch will not be the Scotch of choice for many who enjoy the style, though they may also like it as a gentler and elegant change of pace. This dram really shines for the drinkers who like the occasional Scotch, appreciate its peat-smoke characteristics when they're not ravishing the palate, and those that like to add a little peat to their cocktails.

Small Batch has the perfect balance of sweet and smoke to make it a perfect choice for Scotch cocktails and, at just $40 a bottle, there's no guilt with doing so. It's a great Scotch for the money and makes drinks like the Affinity, Blood and Sand, and Robert Burns shine.

About Bowmore Small Batch:

• Single malt Scotch whisky from Islay using first and second-fill bourbon casks.

• Permanent addition to the Bowmore portfolio.
• Released in fall of 2014
• Imported by Beam Suntory Inc.
• 40% alcohol/volume (80 proof)
• Retails for around $39.99/750ml bottle
• Visit their website

Disclosure: Review samples were provided by the manufacturer. For more information, please see our Ethics Policy.