Bowmore 15 years

Score: 71

Bowmore 15 fared better than its younger sibling at the club tasting, but still didn’t quite ignite the room, Finished in Oloroso sherry casks after initial maturation in bourbon barrels, it brought more vibrance , with sweet ripe apples, vanilla cream, and very light peat drifting through a base of salt, oak, and leather. The texture was notably sweet and oily, warm and balanced, definitely not watery, and far from irritating. Several members appreciated its confectionary charm and cosmetic sherry character, though some felt it leaned a little too polished, lacking the raw edge or complexity of the top contenders. Still, it’s a solid dram for those who enjoy a sherry-forward profile with gentle Islay smoke, a whisky that’s easy to like, even if it didn’t quite steal the show.