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Joel Harrison on Bowmore 9-Year-Old
Discover Bowmore 9-Year-Old through the eyes of whisky writer and IWSC judge Joel Harrison. From its award-winning character to its balance of fruit, spice and signature Islay smoke, explore what makes this single malt Scotch whisky stand out.
A Whisky Expert's Perspective on Bowmore
Introducing Joel Harrison, whisky writer, senior IWSC judge and newly appointed Spirits Correspondent for The Times, who sat down with us to talk about Bowmore 9-Year-Old. Awarded IWSC 2026 Gold Outstanding, and since named ‘Single Malt Scotch Whisky Under 20 Years Old’ trophy winner, it matched the score of whiskies more than 30 years old.
Q&A with Joel Harrison
How did you get into Scotch whisky?
Almost by accident. I was working in the music industry as an artist and repertoire executive, discovering new artists, and whisky became a post-work hobby when I wasn’t out at gigs. I started writing a blog in 2007, visiting distilleries and meeting the people behind the whisky. That led to writing major newspapers, television and eventually books. But it was all born, 100%, out of passion.
Why do you love whisky, beyond the taste?
Because whisky is liquid history. A glass can tell you about geography, culture, craftsmanship and people, often spanning generations. Few drinks carry quite so much complexity and intrigue.
What is one of your favourite memories drinking whisky?
My first trip to Islay in 2005. The first distillery I visited? Bowmore. A school friend and I cycled around the island and last year, two decades later, we recreated the trip. My legs certainly felt 20 years older, but sitting at Bowmore, looking across the water with a dram in hand, was every bit as magical.
Q&A with Joel Harrison
When and where do you most enjoy a whisky?
At home when there’s nowhere else to be. Preferably with good company and absolutely no tasting notes required. My work involves plenty of whisky ‘assessment’, so I cherish the chance for simple ‘appreciation’.
How do you most enjoy drinking Scotch?
However the occasion demands. Neat, with a dash of water, over ice, in a Highball or a cocktail. I particularly love the Bowmore 9-Year-Old in a Blood and Sand (orange, cherry liqueur and sweet vermouth). Whisky is far too versatile to impose rules on it: the best way to drink it is the way you enjoy it.
Why did you choose Bowmore 9-Year-Old as the expression to spotlight?
I’m a senior IWSC judge and category chairman, so a near-perfect 98 points and Gold Outstanding medal gets my attention. More interestingly, it matched the score of whiskies more than 30 years old. It has since gone one better, winning the IWSC ‘Single Malt Scotch Whisky Under 20 Years Old’ Trophy, an accolade I was delighted to be on the panel to award. Judged blind, it proved that complexity, character and flavour come from great whisky-making, not simply greater age.
Q&A with Joel Harrison
What do you like most about this whisky?
The balance. Bourbon and Oloroso casks bring fruit, sweetness and spice, while Bowmore’s smoke and maritime character still have room to speak. Nothing shouts over anything else.
What makes Bowmore 9-Year-Old different from other Islay single malts?
Its restraint. Islay is famous for peat smoke, but Bowmore has always woven smoke into its whisky rather than letting it dominate. Here it sits alongside ripe fruit, sweetness and spice, giving you complexity without sacrificing approachability.
Which casks are used to mature Bowmore 9-Year-Old and what influence do these have on the spirit?
American oak ex-bourbon and European oak Oloroso sherry casks. The bourbon brings sweetness and fruit, while Oloroso adds darker fruit, spice and richness. Together they give Bowmore’s gentle smoke plenty to play against.
Q&A with Joel Harrison
How would you describe Bowmore to someone beginning their whisky journey?
The perfect bridge into smoky Scotch: sumptuous, fruity smoke that shows the softer side of the style for which Islay is famous.
You’ve obviously visited Islay plenty of times. How would you describe your perfect day on the island?
A morning walk by the sea, seafood for lunch, a distillery visit, then a dram overlooking Loch Indaal with nowhere to rush to as the light slowly disappears. Islay’s fresh air does the rest.
How would you describe Bowmore 9-Year-Old in three words?
Fruity. Smoky. Generous.
Award-winning Scotch whisky
Bowmore 9-Year-Old is an original Islay single malt Scotch whisky that invites you to explore its captivating character. Matured for at least nine years in a harmonious blend of hand-selected American oak ex-bourbon casks and European oak Oloroso sherry butts.
The result is a rich, inviting whisky that celebrating the signature Bowmore style. —With a burnished walnut amber colour and an ABV of 40%, this whisky presents an enchanting balance of sweet wood, ripe fruits, and subtle smoke. Bowmore 9-Year-Old is perfect for those looking to embark on their Bowmore journey, offering an experience that is both welcoming yet and complex.
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