Bowmore Dorus Mor 10 Years is a small batch (2,4000 bottles ~ 8 casks) release from Bowmore that’s delivered at a state that’s as close as you can get to drinking straight out of the barrel; full cask strength and non-chill filtered. It’s a release that many folks enjoy and some people go absolutely gaga for. Not being much of a Bowmore fan in general, I approached this one with cynicism and trepidation.
In Bowmore’s Words: Bowmore Dorus Mor 10 Years
“This cask-strength, 10 Years Old Bowmore can be found throughout the world by a more ‘tempestous’ name that can’t be used in the U.S., so only here it’s known as Dorus Mor, a name chosen by the brand’s Facebook fans. A heady and strong whisky from the magical island of Islay, Bowmore Dorus Mor tastes of the very sea itself, bursting with the soul of the untamed Scottish weather and shows Bowmore’s trademark peat smokiness. This formidable tour de force is worthy of its strong name.”
It’s kind of neat the name was chosen by Bowmore fans, it’s a nice nod to the loyal drinkers of the spirit. I’ve read nothing but glowing reviews of it by Bowmore loyalists but let’s see what a Bowmore cynic thinks, to the Bowmore Dorus Mor 10 Years review!
Bowmore Dorus Mor 10 Years Info
Region: Islay, Scotland
Distiller: Bowmore
Mashbill: 100% Malted Barley
Cask: First Fill Bourbon
Age: 10 Years
ABV: 55.1%
Cask Strength | Non-Chill Filtered | Natural Color
Batch: 1
Price: $120 (batch 1 can still be found online)
Bowmore Dorus Mor 10 Years Review
EYE
Light caramel
NOSE
Malt, fruit, smoke, spice, vanilla, caramel, honey and dry cake. There’s a bit of that burnt hazelnut meets copper note that seems to be the Bowmore signature but it’s not overwhelming.
PALATE
Malt, fruit, smoke, spice, vanilla, caramel, honey and dry cake. Some of that same burnt hazelnut meets copper note.
FINISH
Long warm dissolve of peat, caramel and dry cake that fades to a floral note.
BALANCE, BODY & FEEL
Ok balance, full body and a velvety delivery.
OVERALL
The bourbon influence in the Bowmore Dorus Mor 10 Years (batch 1) is so strong it’s remarkable. Caramel and vanilla come through in droves and I pick on a bit of tannic dryness that elicits a sense of oak. Though the most interesting thing to me is the “dry cake” note. A note I’m sure more of you are familiar with than you want to admit.
If you’ve ever been cleaning up the day after a party, likely around 2 or 3 the following afternoon, and cut off a piece of cake from the night to “settle your stomach” then you know what I’m talking about. Some of the sweetness has faded, it’s already a touch stale and it’s almost more like a sweet bread rather than a “cake flavor” anymore. The Bowmore Dorus Mor 10 Years has a bit of that to it, especially in the finish.
SCORE: 83-86/100 (B, not consumed at home)