Introduction
I’ve always had a soft spot for Bowmore. It was one of the first Islay whiskies that caught my attention with its mix of coastal peat and subtle fruitiness. Over the years, I’ve found some expressions to be a bit inconsistent, especially across batches or when packaging changes happen. So, when I got the chance to taste both the older bottling of Bowmore 15 Year Old (with the black and gold label) and the newer release in the updated design, I took the opportunity to do a side-by-side tasting.
Nose
The older version starts off a bit shy at first but opens up with time in the glass. Once it settles, I get soft smoke wrapped around stewed plums, some furniture polish, and dried orange peel. There's a slightly dusty character to it, almost like walking into a well-aged whisky warehouse. The sherry influence feels integrated rather than overly sweet.
The newer release is more direct on the nose. There’s a punch of raisin and toffee early on, with a clean layer of peat smoke sitting just beneath. It seems a touch more polished but also more assertive. I also picked up a bit more cask char and spice than I got from the older style.
Palate
Tasting the old bottling first, the texture is moderately oily with just enough weight. Flavours of dark chocolate, burnt orange, and pipe tobacco come through. The peat plays second fiddle to the dried fruits, and the whole thing feels cohesive, if slightly muted at points.
By contrast, the newer version has bolder flavours, though a bit less nuanced. There’s treacle, sultanas, and a more noticeable oak spiciness—almost verging on bitter at times. The smoke is cleaner, but feels somewhat detached from the rest of the profile. It's definitely richer, but that richness comes at the cost of the subtle transitions I appreciated in the older expression.
Finish
The older bottling leaves behind a gentle, fading memory of ash and dried fruit, with a little bit of salt. It's not long, but it lingers just enough, and I caught myself going back to top up another dram sooner than I expected.
The newer one has more grip on the finish. It holds on longer and shows more spice and tannin, particularly black pepper and cocoa powder. The peat resurfaces late and hangs around, making the finish feel hotter but more persistent.
Price and Value
When it comes to these two, value talks get a bit tricky. The older bottling tends to cost more now as it’s no longer on shelves, so it's hard to think of it purely in terms of price. But assuming you can find them for around the same amount, the older one edges out in terms of balance and drinkability. The newer version feels designed for a bolder audience—arguably more mainstream in profile—but lacks the quiet charm of its predecessor.
Background
Bowmore is one of the oldest distilleries on Islay, with a long history dating back to 1779. Known for its relatively restrained peating levels—typically around 20–25 ppm—it often produces whiskies that surround the smoke with fruit, salt, and sometimes floral notes. The 15 Year Old has been a core release for years and is aged primarily in ex-bourbon casks before a finishing period in sherry casks.
Though the makeup and cask type remain officially unchanged in the newer release, there are clear differences in how the whisky presents itself. This could be down to changes in wood policy, spirit character, or just batch variation. You can find more on the distillery from the Bowmore website.
Final Notes
Between the two, I slightly preferred the older Bowmore 15 Year Old. It felt more integrated, with a smoother balance between smoke and sherry. That said, the newer release isn’t without merit—it’s punchier, more present, and may appeal to those who like a bit more richness and spice in their dram.
If you’re wondering whether I’d buy either again—the answer is yes, but I’d reach for the older one if it was available at a reasonable price. For those new to Bowmore or Islay, the current version might feel more immediately engaging, though it might come across a bit heavy for total newcomers. As for when to enjoy it—it suits a quiet evening or a shared dram with someone who doesn’t mind a bit of sherry influence and smoke. And compared to other Islay 15-year-olds, it's certainly more restrained; think of it as midway between Bunnahabhain and Laphroaig in character.