The Bowmore distillery is one of the oldest in Scotland. It has stood on the shores of Loch Indaal defying the salty Atlantic winds since 1779. The distillery produces whiskies that are a product of both environment and tradition. Proximity to the sea is considered to contribute to the flavour, only water from the nearby Laggan River is used and the malt is still turned laboriously by hand as it was 200 years ago. Maturation takes place in moist cellars below sea level in Spanish Sherry or American oak casks.

In 1950 Bowmore was purchased by William Grigor & Sons Ltd. from Inverness. A little over a decade later, in 1963, Stanley P. Morrison Ltd. bought Bowmore, increased the number of stills to four and added a visitor centre - proving a nose for marketing even at a time when the single malt market was just budding. The marketing of Bowmore became even more sophisticated after Suntory from Japan bought Bowmore's parent company in 1994. A large part of the whisky produced at Bowmore continues to be bottled as a single malt, as both official and independent bottlings, with the remainder making up blends like Rob Roy and Black Bottle.

Tasting note: Clear amber gold appearance. Slightly vegetal opening sniff. Air contact brings the mildly briny, sea shore-like aromas to the fore, underpinned by semi sweet malt. The third inspection finds cocoa and hints of elastoplast. A soft, lightly oily entry builds to moderate concentration as mild peaty notes combine with a salty tang through to the gently peppery finish. Aftertaste of sooty peat and dilute vanilla. 40% Alc./Vol.