Bowmore skriver selv:
"We are proud to announce the newest expression to our family, Small Batch Reserve. This new expressions is uniquely created from a selection of the finest first and second fill bourbon casks, and brought together for an extended period of maturation, this expression is our most delicate and best balanced yet.
As our lightest and most delicate expression to date, Small Batch Reserve has been developed especially for the discerning whisky drinker wishing to explore the Islay Single Malt category.
Launched in response to increasing demand for special and small batch whiskies, our new proposition is just that. A genuine release of limited volume, Small Batch Reserve is vatted in restricted quantities and is created from a careful hand selection of exceptional North American Oak casks brought together to produce a unique expression of remarkable style and character.
Exclusively matured in first and second fill ex Bourbon casks, then blissfully married together, Small Batch Reserve exhibits the best qualities of both. First-fill bourbon offers delicious vanilla sweetness, subtle spices and bourbon oak smoke to complement Bowmore's gentle peaty smokiness, while the second-fill cask enhances Bowmore's fresh fruity complexity and showcases its trademark honey and creamy malt character.
During the marrying period, they combine to create an exceedingly complex expression, showcasing the perfect balance between top quality bourbon cask sweetness and spice, and the natural elements of Islay; air, water, earth and fire beautifully balanced and in perfect harmony.
Rachel Barrie, Master Blender of Morrison Bowmore Distillers, describes the whisky: "Bowmore Small Batch Reserve encapsulates the perfect harmony of nature's elements on a summer's day on Islay. The sweetest smoked barley and highest quality bourbon oak casks have created a vanilla elixir with ripe orchard fruits, honeycomb and teasing wispy smoke. Relax, take it easy and enter Islay time with the harmonious taste of Small Batch Reserve."
Experience the delicious, if not unusual, combination of Bowmore Small Batch Reserve accompanied with some high-quality vanilla ice cream drizzled with olive oil and a sprinkling of sea-salt. See how the vanilla ice cream brings out the sweet vanilla from the first- and second-fill bourbon casks, the olive oil complements the Bowmore peat smoke, while the salt highlights our trademark sea-salt tang.
Tasting Notes
Nose: First nose reveals delicious fudge vanilla, fresh sea air and an intriguing balance of oak and peat smoke. Salted honeycomb and cinnamon spice combine with lemon and lime and traces of maritime notes.
Water releases juicy soft fruits and creamy sweet malt with nectarines and peaches and a trace of coconut.
Taste: Complex and balanced with mouth-watering citrus, silky smooth vanilla, warming peat smoke and cinnamon sizzle. A gently saltiness appears mid palate drizzled with lemon and lime and hints of coconut. A beautiful balance between sweet and savoury.
Finish: Wispy smoke and lime bound together by warm bourbon vanilla and malt sweetness."