The Chess Malt Collection D8 – Bowmore 22 Years Islay Single Malt Whisky 52.9%

The Chess Malt Collection D8 is a rare and exclusive single malt whisky distilled at the legendary Bowmore Distillery on Islay. This bottling is part of the coveted Chess Malt Collection, where each edition represents a unique and carefully selected whisky – created for collectors and passionate whisky lovers.

The whisky was distilled in July 1996 and matured for a full 22 years in a bourbon cask, giving it a beautiful balance between Islay’s characteristic smoke and an elegant cask matured sweetness. The result is a complex and deep whisky where fruit, smoke and spice blend together in harmony.

Only 190 bottles have been bottled, making this release a rare find for collectors and connoisseurs alike. The whisky is bottled at cask strength of 52.9% and is neither chill-filtered nor colored. This means you experience the whisky in its most authentic form – exactly as it developed over more than two decades in the cask.

For fans of Bowmore and classic Islay whisky, this bottling is an excellent example of the distillery’s ability to combine smoke, fruit and elegance in a sophisticated and complex whisky.

Tasting notes

Aroma: Aromatic with notes of light peat smoke, citrus fruit, honey, vanilla and a hint of sea salt.

Taste: Rich and complex with flavors of ripe fruit, caramelized sugar, vanilla, spice and elegant Islay smoke.

Finish: Long and warm with notes of smoke, oak, citrus and a slightly salty finish.

The story of Bowmore Distillery

Bowmore Distillery is one of the oldest distilleries on Islay and was founded in 1779. Located on the shores of Loch Indaal, the distillery is known for its distinctive style, where smoke, fruit and maritime notes come together in an elegant balance.

Bowmore is also one of the few distilleries in Scotland that still malt some of their barley themselves on traditional floors. At the same time, many of their whiskies are aged in the historic cellars below sea level, where the climate contributes to the unique character of the whisky.

• Series: The Chess Malt Collection – D8
• Distillery: Bowmore Distillery
• Country: Scotland
• Region: Islay
• Type: Single Malt Whisky
• Distilled: July 1996
• Bottled: August 2018
• Age: 22 years
• Cask: Bourbon cask
• Number of bottles: 190
• Not chill filtered: Yes
• Color: No added color
• Quantity: 70 cl
• Alcohol content: 52.9%