Storm in a bottle: Bowmore’s next Tempest

Islay’s oldest distillery has announced the release of highly anticipated Bowmore Tempest 4, the latest in the series of small batch, cask strength single malts.

Just 2000 cases of Bowmore Tempest 4 will be available worldwide from May

Bowmore Tempest 4 is “a true product of its environment” and aged for a decade in first-fill bourbon casks.

Master blender Rachel Barrie describes the 55.1% abv dram as “effervescent waves of citrus and ocean spice, tempered by warm ripples of smooth vanilla and wispy smoke.”

“It’s like being out on a boat in the ocean waves, with bracing sea air and salty drizzle sharpening the senses,” Barrie said.

“As you get closer to shore, the bright sun breaks through the clouds bringing a satisfying warmth, rewarding you with sun-drenched fruit and vanilla sweetness.”

As with each of the Tempest whiskies, the fourth in the series presents subtle nuances while retaining Bowmore’s “perfect balance”.

To complete the experience, Barrie suggests a food pairing that fuses sweet and savoury: “Vanilla Ice cream, olive oil drizzle and a sprinkle of sea-salt served with mandarin and pistachio meringue.”

Less than 2,000 cases will be released worldwide from May, priced at £49.99 in the UK.

At the end of last year Bowmore unveiled Islay’s oldest single malt, Bowmore 1957, in a bottle inspired “by the crashing waves beyond the distillery walls”.