Whisky Reviews/Review 103

Signatory Vintage Bowmore 1968 2001 33 Years Old 46,2% Cask 1431

Illustrative imageBowmore · Explore distillery
92

Amber Room ReviewIndependent tasting notes

Reviewed 23 May 2026 ·View daily archive

Whisky facts

Region
Islay
Independent Bottler
Signatory Vintage
Age
33 years
ABV
46.2%
Vintage
1968
Bottled
2001
Cask type
oak cask
Cask number
1431
Bottles in release
218

My first Bowmore from the 60s, a period considered to be peak Bowmore with some legendary bottles. A bottle where the smoke is much more prominent during the nose and then becomes more subtle as you drink it

In the glass

Tasting Notes

1 Amber Room Review

Amber Room Review

Signatory Vintage Bowmore 1968 2001 33 Years Old 46,2% Cask 1431

23 May 2026
92

My first Bowmore from the 60s, a period considered to be peak Bowmore with some legendary bottles. A bottle where the smoke is much more prominent during the nose and then becomes more subtle as you drink it

Nose

The nose is very unique, with peaty tobacco mixed with zesty passion fruits, the balanced mixture of peat smoke and sweetness is what makes these old Islay incredible (& expensive) but it’s the first time I can distinctively pick out a passion fruit note

Body

The palate is delicate, with more passion fruits & citrus zest, lemons, followed by a slightly spicy & peppery smoke

Finish

The finish is medium-long with more oomph than I would expect from the 46,2%; contains some creaminess & fresh herbs, almost herbal tea-ish

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