Islay Whisky, Bowmore

Bowmore: Islay, Argyll
Owners: Morrison Bowmore Distillers Ltd, Glasgow
Licensees: Morrison Bowmore Distillers Ltd

The Distillery
Situated on the shores of Loch Indaal lies the village of Bowmore. Known as the 'capital' of the island, Bowmore is home to one of the great malt distilleries. It is thought that development of the distillery began just as the village itself began to take shape, in 1768. Bowmore was one of the first legal distilleries on the island. The establishment of Bowmore was a natural development, in line with the industrial evolution of the village. Built during a time of common grain shortages, the output of Bowmore initially reflected this influence. Whilst development of the distillery was not anticipated to be of immediate benefit to the islanders, after two centuries of continuous production, the vision of the Campbells has certainly been realised.

The Distillery Today
Nestling fortress-like on the inlet of Loch Indall, the distillery today is owned by Morrison Bowmore Distillers. After having been part-owned by Suntory of Japan for some years, Morrison Bowmore were themselves purchased outright by Suntory in 1994.

The Whisky
The water rises from peat and flows via the river Laggan for eight miles to the distillery. The company has its own maltings and uses a gentle technique of peating. The maturation warehouses are doused with four or five feet of water at high tide. All of these factors, and more, create the Bowmore character. Aromas of burnt peat and chocolate. Balanced, rich and smooth with the characteristic peat, and trace of iodine, of Islay. Smoky, with a hint of seaweed. Definite edge of salt, with a perfumey taste similar to rose water.

Ardbeg \| Bowmore \| Caol Ila \| Bruichladdich Bunnahabhain \| Lagavulin \| Laphroaig \| Port Ellen