Bowmore Distillery was the first whisky distillery I ever toured, so for this reason alone, I suppose it will always occupy a special place in my heart. I recall the occasion vividly, not so much for the tour itself which was thoroughly enjoyable, but for the fact that it was at the end of the tour - in the tasting room - that I first encountered what immediately became and has remained my favourite single malt whisky: Bowmore Darkest.

Bowmore Distillery is found at the bottom of the Main Street, on the shores of Loch Indaal. The small town of Bowmore - effectively only a village - is the administrative capital of the Isle of Islay. I took the picture below from the top of the Main Street. The distillery unfortunately cannot be seen in this image but is located in the far distance and to the left.

When I purchased this magnificent book I could not believe the wealth of information which is crammed in to it. It is widely recognised as being the guide to single malt Scotch whisky and I would have to concur. I would heartily recommend it to any connoisseur of fine single malts.

Bowmore single malts are not like those of Laphroaig and Ardbeg, for example, from the south side of Islay, in that they do not have the same peatiness. The taste is milder and therefore likely to appeal to a much wider group of people.

Bowmore Darkest is a truly fantastic and unique tasting experience. Even before we raise the glass to our lips, its rich, burnished colour has an attraction and appearance quite distinct that promises of the delights to come. The taste is smooth and rich, perhaps even more so than we expect given its intense colour. It slips over the palate and down the hatch with a satisfying warmth that cannot fail to produce a satisfying, "Aaaahhh..." from the most critical of tasters.

As well as being a drink which offers satisfaction and variety like no other, Scottish Single Malt Whisky is also a very collectible product. There are bottles today worth tens of thousands of pounds! Below are the current e-Bay auctions featuring Bowmore Darkest (if any are presently available) which present you with the opportunity to pick up a bargain/make an investment today!