Bowmore – 18 Year Old - Fèis Ìle 2023 (70cl, 52.8%)

Bowmore – 18 Year Old - Fèis Ìle 2023 is a single malt whisky from Bowmore (Islay). Aged 18 years, bottled at 52.8% ABV, 70cl. Bowmore Distillery is the oldest producing distillery on the wonderful island of Islay. Found on the shore of Loch Indaal, it was established back in 1779. The distillery is currently operated by Morrison Bowmore Distillers. This is part of a larger cog that is Beam Suntory. Other distilleries that come under the Suntory umbrella are the Auchentoshan and Glen Garioch distilleries. As mentioned, the establishment of the distillery was in 1779 by John P. Simson. He sadly had to pass up ownership of the distillery and it was bought by a German family, the Mutter family. Mutter had some great ideas during his tenure. The traditional nature of Bowmore is still found in their drams with as much local barley from the island being sourced as possible and their own floor maltings being used. Around 2 million litres are produced which is a real bonus for the locals because any surplus heat from the process goes to heat the public swimming pool! The distillery is held in high regard for producing some of the world's most expensive and collectable malts such as the Black Bowmore. This is the Fèis Ìle 2023 release from Bowmore Distillery. Matured in first-fill Oloroso Sherry and PX casks for 18 years, this single malt was bottled at 52.8% ABV. This rare annual release from Bowmore is limited to just 3,500 bottles.