This next whisky is a rare and elegant expression that celebrates the partnership between two legendary brands, Bowmore and Aston Martin, and some webshops suggest the average price to be 240€.
- Exclusive Whisky
- Bowmore Distillery
- Tasting Notes
- Whisky & Cheese
- Aston Martin Atom & Whiskey
- Rating
Exclusive Whisky
Welcome to another edition of Diamond Whiskey, and today we have a very special whisky to share with you: the 2021 Bowmore 15-year-old Golden & Elegant Aston Martin Atom Edition 2. This is an exclusive whisky that is part of a limited edition collection inspired by the iconic luxury car brand Aston Martin. This whisky was matured for 15 years in first-fill bourbon casks and hogsheads, which should add to the amber gold whisky some fruity and sweet notes balanced with a silky and medium body and some warm and smoky character. It comes in a 1000-ml bottle with a sleek silver label featuring the Aston Martin Atom, a concept car introduced in 1939 that showcased the brand’s innovation and design. In this review, we will explore the history of the Aston Martin Atom, the tasting notes of the Bowmore 15-year-old, and combine it with cheese. So, sit back, relax, and pour yourself a special spirit.
Bowmore Distillery
Bowmore is the oldest licensed distillery on Islay, an island off the west coast of Scotland. It was founded in 1779 by John Simpson, who obtained a license to distil whisky on the shores of Lochindaal, a sea loch opening out into the Atlantic Ocean. Bowmore is famous for its peaty and smoky character, which comes from the local peat that is used to dry the malted barley in the distillery’s floor maltings. The malt is then kilned over a peat fire, giving it a subtle smokiness. The whisky is aged in the No. 1 Vaults, the oldest maturation warehouse in Scotland, where it is exposed to the sea breeze and the changing seasons and where it stores some of its most precious and rare whiskies. Bowmore has a long and proud history of innovation and craftsmanship, and it has won numerous awards and accolades over the years. It is one of the most respected and revered single malt whiskies in the world, and it reflects the rugged beauty and rich history of Islay.
Tasting notes
Here are my impressions of the Bowmore 15 Aston Martin Atom Edition: Firstly, the nose: a gentle smoke that is soothing and pleasant. A burst of fruity notes comes after – grape and cherry aromas that make me immediately think of summer, and what a lovely thought that is because outside right now from my office the temperature is 3 degrees Celsius. It is like a warm hug from an old friend. Secondly, the palate: has a light and silky texture that is slightly above average, which is lower than expected for me. As I try to get a better feel for the whisky, a spicy flame ignites my tongue and warms my throat. It is a delicate balance between heat and sweetness. Finally, the aftertaste: lingering oak bark, a bowl full of almonds, and light smokiness – but the last note is a refreshing yet warm red-orange that has been left in my mouth for some time. It is a satisfying and complex finish that cleanses the palate.
Whisky & Cheese
I decided to pair this whisky with a cheese that I bought from a local shop. It was a cheddar that was infused with whisky, which sounded like a perfect match. Now was the time to cut open the cheese from its wax wrapper. However, I was disappointed by the cheese, as it did not complement the whisky at all, as it clashed with the aftertaste. I think the cheese maker used a lower-quality whisky to infuse the cheese because the aftertaste did not match with Bowmore at all. Therefore, my recommendation is that if you buy cheese and whisky and consume them together in the evening, it is safer to buy cheese with a natural flavor. I recommend not experimenting with flavored cheese with special whiskies.
Aston Martin Atom & Whiskey
The history of Bowmore and Aston Martin Bowmore and Aston Martin share a common vision of excellence and elegance. Both brands have a rich heritage of craftsmanship and innovation, and both are renowned for their iconic products. The partnership between Bowmore and Aston Martin was announced in 2019, to create unique and memorable experiences for whisky and car enthusiasts.
The Bowmore 15 Aston Martin Atom Edition is my first expression of this luxurious collaboration. The Aston Martin Atom is a prototype car designed and built in 1939 by Claude Hill, the chief engineer of Aston Martin. The Atom was a revolutionary concept, featuring a lightweight tubular chassis, a streamlined body, and a powerful engine. It weighed only 1,200 kg and had a 2.0 L I4 engine and a semi-automatic Cotal preselector transmission. It was also the car that convinced David Brown, a wealthy industrialist, to buy Aston Martin in 1947, and it influenced the design of many future models, such as the DB2 and the DB4.
Rating
The Bowmore 15 Aston Martin Atom Edition 2 is a remarkable whisky that showcases the best of both worlds. It is a rare and exclusive expression that combines the light and smoky character of Bowmore with the spicy and fruity notes of the 15-year-old. It is also a tribute to the history and innovation of Bowmore and Aston Martin, two brands that have shaped the world of whisky and cars. However, I have to be honest, the only big negative was the body. It lacked the fullness and intensity that I expected from such a premium whisky. Therefore, I would rate this whisky an 8.5/10, as it is still a very enjoyable and refined dram that offers complexity and lightness. In conclusion, it is a whisky that deserves to be savored and appreciated, and I hope to taste more similar collaborations in the whisky industry.
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