Elements of Islay is a range of iconic, small-batch, independently bottled whiskies. The range celebrates the diversity of whiskies that make Islay special, with a focus on the medicinal, smoky, elemental character of the island's whiskies. To maintain their personality, they are not chill-filtered and no colouring is added, allowing us to present the best whiskies that Islay has to offer in an authentic yet contemporary style.

This is the 8th release of Bowmore.

Tasting notes Ruben Luyten - WhiskyNotes: Score 87/100

Elements of Islay Bw8 is the latest Bowmore in this series. A combination of ex-bourbon barrels and sherry butts from 2001 and 2003, matured for at least 16 years.

Nose: refreshing profile, mostly influenced by the bourbon wood. Mint and lime, hints of kiwi and green apple. Shells on the beach and rather soft ashy smoke. Wet fabrics. Some waxy / oily notes.

Mouth: much more smoky now, with a fairly sweet onset, quickly followed by sour lemons, brine and grapefruit skins. Very coastal, with just flashes of lime and unripe mango. Waxy notes, spearmint, with the zesty notes growing bolder.

Finish: medium, with briny peat and zesty citrus.

Bright, zesty and coastal Bowmore. Really nice but not on the same level as Bw5 in my book. The price is on the heavy side, but this is mature Islay whisky after all.