Single Cask Nation Glen Grant 20yo Cask #192741 & Single Cask Nation Bowmore 11yo Cask #160490

Single Cask Nation Glen Grant 20yo Cask #192741

Region: Speyside

ABV: 58.9%

Price: £125.00

This release was distilled in September 2003 and matured exclusively in a 1st fill bourbon barrel for 20 years before being bottled in March 2024. 165 bottles were released.

Nose

On the nose, the whisky starts off quite sweet, reminiscent of marshmallows, Lucky Charms, apple turnovers, and whipped cream. Revisiting it reveals further notes of green melon, a hint of white vinegar, green grapes, wood chips, and caramel. Citrus notes of orange juice and lemonade are present, alongside a touch of perfume. We would not have guessed this was as old as 20 years from nosing it.

Palate

On the palate, this whisky starts off quite hot, with an initial burst of spice and perfume. Behind these, there are flavours of reduced raspberries and raspberry ripple syrup, ginger beer, tobacco, and charred, almost burnt wood. Spicy black pepper and some bitterness from grapefruit emerge on as the dram sits on our tongues. The mouthfeel is good, with a medium finish, but the spice and bitter notes linger beyond everything else. Upon revisiting, notes of citrus tangerine and orange emerge, along with caster sugar and melon.

Nose (with water)

With water added, the nose reveals more stewed fruit notes, particularly stewed apples, and becomes noticeably sweeter with abundant marshmallow notes. It also develops a woodiness more typical of older whiskies. While still pleasant to nose, it feels more one-dimensional. 

Palate (with water)

With water, the palate displays a distinct burnt caramel note. The addition of water reduces the spice and heat, as well as the bitterness, though it remains noticeable. The sweetness has diminished, giving way to a drier profile. The mouthfeel remains unchanged, and there is less spice on the still medium finish.

Conclusion

We're surprised that, given this is a first-fill bourbon cask, there isn't more cask influence evident. While we don't dislike what's present, we are disappointed that it's not a bit more interesting. Old Glen Grant can be exceptional, but this release falls short of the mark.

Score: 6.5/10

Value

While not our favourite release, we can’t argue that it’s not a good price.

Single Cask Nation Bowmore 11yo Cask #160490

Region: Islay

ABV: 57.4%

Price: £90.00

This release was distilled in January 2013 and bottled in March 2024 after a 39 months finish period in a 1st Fill Oloroso Sherry Hogshead. 307 bottles were released.

Nose

On the nose, this whisky starts off very restrained, with notes of fresh earth, menthol, elastic bands, and light smoke. Revisiting brings out brown sugar and herbal notes of rosemary and oregano, complemented by ginger and a hint of fudge. Nothing here really screams Bowmore to us.

Palate

The palate reveals a bit more smoke than the nose, with flavours of tar, dark chocolate, burnt brown sugar, and dirt, alongside dried fruits such as raisins and prunes. There's more sherry influence on the palate than the nose, though still not a massive hit. The mouthfeel is satisfying, and the finish is medium length, with both the sweeter notes and peat lingering.

Nose (with water)

With water, the nose features pronounced notes of aniseed, tar, fudge, and cinnamon. The sherry and smoke notes are still very light, but the addition of water has woken up the nose making it easier to pick out individual notes.

Palate (with water)

With water, the palate shows more chocolate, raisins, and prunes, yet remains largely unchanged overall. The mouthfeel is good, and the finish has a decent length, now with more ginger noticeable. However, the overall character of the whisky is mostly unchanged.

Conclusion

This dram doesn't immediately suggest Bowmore, but with a few drops of water, it develops into something quite pleasant, albeit perhaps a touch one-dimensional. It's an easy-drinking Islay whisky that is just a tad forgettable.

Score: 7/10

Value

£90 might seem a touch steep, but we don’t get enough opportunity to try independently bottled Bowmore.

• 10 - Perfection. One in a million
• 9 - Outstanding. Exceptional whisky.
• 8 - Great. Would seek this out.
• 7 - Good. Quality whisky.
• 6 - Above average. Happy to have a dram.
• 5 - Average. Drinkable whisky.
• 4 - Below average. Passable.
• 3 - Flawed. Noticeable negatives.
• 2 - Defective. Significant faults.
• 1 - Offensive. Pour it out.

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