Bowmore – Whisky
In the heart of Islay, right on Loch Indaal, lies the island’s oldest licensed distillery. Since 1779, whisky has been distilled here, founded by farmer David Simson. The brand takes its name from its hometown, the island capital of Bowmore. Alongside the Scottish flag, the Japanese flag also flies at the entrance gate, as Bowmore is now part of the global corporation Beam Suntory. This has not compromised quality—quite the opposite. Japan has long demonstrated its deep understanding of exceptional whisky with brands like Auchentoshan.
Bowmore Whisky: A Harmonious Middle Ground
Bowmore also stands for a well-balanced taste profile. With its moderate phenol content, it sits right between the heavily peated malts of the southern coast and the milder varieties of the north. Many consider it the perfect entry-level whisky for Islay malts, while others emphasize its distinctive smokiness.
Its character is shaped by a unique production process: the peat is compressed into briquettes, intensifying the smoky aroma during malting. At the same time, this method reduces peat consumption by up to 75%. Sustainability plays a major role at Bowmore—one example is the old warehouse, which today serves as a swimming pool heated by waste heat from the distillery.
Bowmore Whisky: A Multi-Faceted Experience
Bowmore impresses with its exceptional complexity. The water used for distillation passes through various rock layers, absorbing unique flavors along the way.
Another key influence is the environment: Bowmore is the only Islay distillery directly exposed to the harsh west wind. The salty sea air permeates the warehouses, leaving subtle briny notes in the whisky. This makes it truly unique—exciting for both connoisseurs and newcomers alike.
