The Science of Water and Whisky – Part 4 Impact of Different Water Qualities on Bowmore

Bowmore has always had an intrinsic link with the Ocean, from the Atlantic waves that batter the rugged coastland of our island home of Islay, to the sea-salt tang of our legendary Single Malt.

Many years ago, I remember reading about An Teallach in a Munro handbook that its name in Gaelic means 'the forge'. Ancient people in the area apparently likened its colour at sunrise to that of a blacksmith forge. My assumption was that this information was largely anecdotal and that it was the author's attempt to introduce a little romanticism to an otherwise factual account, however I was mistaken.

As Spring approaches (its late!) my mind has turned to Africa and putting the final touches to one of the most daring adventures I have ever contemplated.  At a recent whisky tasting in th City of London, two bankers enquired about whether there were spare places on any of my trips.