Bowmore 9 Year Old Whisky Review: Gentle peat, dried fruit, and... straw?

The Bowmore distillery on Islay produces a range of whiskies across different age statements. One of the “younger” single malts on the menu is the Bowmore 9 Year Old.

Bowmore has been making whisky for hundreds of years. It’s even the oldest distillery on the Scottish island. Under the brand’s banner, countless whiskies have been released, from younger expressions to incredibly old and exclusive single malts.

One of the younger whiskies in the lineup is nine years old—a dram that, according to the distillery, showcases the many layers of the house style. The barley for the whisky is hand-malted on Bowmore’s own malting floor and then dried in peat-fired kilns (ovens).

Maturation then takes place in a mix of casks: ex-bourbon American oak barrels and European oak sherry butts and puncheons. This combination delivers a rich, layered flavor profile and a handsome dark hue that’s a treat for the eye.

Bowmore typically opts for a tall, slender bottle—and that’s also the case for this 9-year-old single malt. The black label, paired with subtle, refined details in the glass, creates a stylish look. Aside from the essential information, the spotlight is fully on the whisky itself.

The black box, free of unnecessary frills, also exudes understated elegance. For (about) just 40 euros, you’re getting a bottle that looks like a luxury whisky on the shelf. But how does this Islay single malt taste?

In the glass, Bowmore 9 Year Old shows a deep amber glow reminiscent of aged copper. It leaves a trail of fine legs along the inside of the glass. They’re not very thick and descend at a steady pace—a sign of the moderate alcohol strength, in this case 40%.

On the nose, the whisky immediately offers clear sherry tones, mingled with an earthy aroma reminiscent of warm straw. There’s also a hint of peat smoke, dried fruit, and a gentle touch of sea spray.

Thanks to its soft peat character on the nose, this 9-year-old single malt is very approachable for those eager to explore Islay without diving into a peat bomb.

On the palate, Bowmore 9 Year Old starts a little differently than the nose suggests. At first, it’s slightly bitter with notes of oily richness, tobacco leaf, spices, and black pepper. Beneath that lies a layer with a touch of wood smoke and some peat.

Then come flavors of peach nectar, dried fruit, and more sweetness. The earthy notes from the nose carry through nicely on the palate, underpinned by a salty undertone.

Toward the rather short finish, more smoke emerges alongside a touch of pepper. Right at the end, the whisky reveals a fresh note before it fades away.

Bowmore 9 Year Old is a single malt well-suited to peat-curious drinkers and sherry lovers alike. It opens with a slightly funky, straw-like character and evolves into an engaging, layered whole. The finish is on the shorter side, so it’s not a dram for long contemplation, but it does make for easy, enjoyable sipping.

+ Excellent entry-level whisky for exploring Islay

+ Nicely layered (and balanced) flavor

+ Attractive price point

- Finish is quite short