Bowmore Gold Reef is a single malt Scotch whisky from the Bowmore Distillery on Islay. It was launched in 2014 as one of three travel retail exclusive releases and is matured predominantly in first-fill ex-bourbon casks. The whisky is bottled at 43% ABV and typically sells for around $50.
Drier than it was on the nose, and there's some peat here now. A dry, earthy peat, quite prominent initially but fades quickly. Some coal dust and slightly bitter oxidised fruit. A salty citrus tang, and lightly bitter burnt toffee.
smoky and oily, with some pretty sharp peat and a gingery heat. Chalky and zesty notes. A little salt. There’s also a more rounded, vanilla-infused side but I’m only getting a small glimpse of the tropical fruits the distillery is promising.