Celebrate Christmas with Bowmore, Islay's First Whisky

I was sent a lovely Christmas Mailer from premium whisky distillery Morrison Bowmore. It's all in aid of celebrating the creation of two unique serving suggestions. Bowmore's Salted Caramel Crust was developed by Michelin starred chef Mark Sargeant and can easily be recreated at home. For a real winter warmer there is also the Bowmore's Darkest Hot Chocolate which was created exclusively for Bowmore's by Galvin At Windows.

Bowmore Single Malt Scotch Whisky is produced in the Bowmore distillery in Islay, the first recorded distillery on the island and one of the oldest in Scotland. The Bowmore distillery still uses traditional 200 year old methods, such as smoking the malt in a peat-fired kiln, to create that distinctive peaty smokiness of the Islay malts.

The Bowmore's Salted Caramel Crust is a simple yet stunning way to serve their latest Single Malt, Small Batch, and although I haven't had a chance to make it myself, here's the recipe if you fancy giving it a go:

Bowmore Salted Caramel Crust

INGREDIENTS

75g unsalted butter     

50g soft light brown sugar     

50g caster sugar     

50g golden syrup     

125ml double cream     

1tsp sea salt

1 tbsp Bowmore Small Batch   

 METHOD

Melt the butter, sugars and syrup in a small heavy based pan and simmer for 3 minutes. Add the cream, whisky and sea salt then simmer for another minute or 2 until it thickens. Cool the caramel then dip the chosen glass rim into it and then into some fine caster sugar. Spoon a small amount of sauce into the bottom of the glass and then chill in the fridge for at least an hour. Pour Bowmore Small Batch into the glass and enjoy.

The Bowmore's Darkest Hot Chocolate is the perfect winter warmer and will be hosted on the menu at Galvin At Windows throughout Christmas. It can also be chilled and made into an iced version!

Bowmore Darkest Hot Chocolate

INGREDIENTS

    50ml Bowmore 15yo Darkest
      15ml Ratafia Cherry liqueur
         10ml Cinnamon syrup
         250ml Whole milk
         1 bag (11 grams) Fair Trade Cadbury hot chocolate

METHOD

Warm up milk and mix with hot chocolate straight in teapot. Add rest of ingredients and stir them together. Garnish with a cinnamon stick and serve.

To make the iced version of this Bowmore Chocolate, simply follow the instructions above and chill for 1-2 hours. Pour into a chilled glass and serve over ice with cinnamon sticks and cocoa powder to finish.

Bowmore’s latest Single Malt, Small Batch is available nationwide in Morrison’s, Tesco and Sainsbury’s with an RRP of £32.99. (currently on special offer in Tesco for £25.00).