Bowmore Tempest 2010 Edition

Bowmore Tempest 2010 is a 10 year old Scotch that is surprisingly easy drinking, yet due to its 56% alcohol level, will have you on the floor in no-time if you’re not careful. Being aged in first-fill ex-bourbon barrels, the flavours peak immediately and the peatiness adds extra richness to the drink. If you like a strong Scotch without the unpleasant burn, this one is definitely for you.

Bowmore Tempest is best had at the start of the night. It’s not heavy and with the exciting flavour profile, it is  bound to wake you up. Bowmore distillery is known for producing Scotches that have a strong and refreshing citrus flavour with a honey sweetness. This Scotch is no exception, though it has a higher intensity compared with its brethren. On the nose you’ll need to take a shallow breath to get past the sharpness of the alcohol, but soon enough you’ll get the scent of refreshing citrus, vanilla, green apples and some smokiness. On the pallet, more of those same flavours come through, but it is far smokier, with the addition of caramel notes, spice, and some oak. The lingering flavours are more bitter than sweet.

The Bowmore Temptest is $73.95 and at the time of writing this article there are quantities left, but the product has been listed as “discontinued.” This isn’t a surprise, as Bowmore only produces a limited amount of this style of Scotch. This is the second batch, and while the distillery may be releasing a third batch, it’s anyone’s guess if the LCBO will stock it.