1996 Bowmore 22 yr. (refill hogshead) - The Old Malt Cask - 53.9%
Context: The Old Malt Cask (OMC) is an independent bottling label by Hunter Laing. It traditionally bottles single cask vintages above 100 proof. I've had good luck with Laing's products: Kill Devil and Golden Devil rums, The Sovereign and The First Edition malts. I've also enjoyed the handful of 1990s Bowmores I've tried. Not a bad starting hand for a bottle.
Nose: Apples. Smoke. Pollen. New toy plastic. Mechanic's garage.
Flavor: Vanilla. Apples. Oak spice. Hay. Ash.
Palate Structure: Flavors move in really great waves. Bright with fruit, deep with smoke, back up with oak and the proof spike. Settling into waves of fruit and ash in the finish. Fully immersive.
Alcohol Integration: Slaps you around a little on the palate, but calms down for the finish.
You’d Dig This If You Like:
Worthy Park: continental aging, moderate ester count, 100+ proof
Cognac: 40+ years old, very little reduction or additives
Score: 8 (Stash One) I'm a believer in these 90s Bowmores at under $200 a bottle. But it's been a while since I saw one at that price.
Rating System
10 - Reevaluate The Budget
9 - Stash Two (If Able)
8 - Stash One (At The Right Price)
7 - Highly Recommend It To Strangers
6 - Solid - Above Average
5 - Acceptable For The Situation
4 - Not Vocally Complaining
3 - Wish I Was Drinking Something Else
2 - Nothing Nice To Say
1 - Drain Pour