Bowmore 12 Year

My brother-in-law was surprised I hadn't tried this particular single malt, given my fondness for Islay spirits. The reason is its price point and proof compared to other Islay malts I often purchase. While Ardbeg 10 and Laphroaig 10 have become more expensive, they were historically closer in price to $50, making this spirit nearly $20 pricier for a lower-proof Islay. Honestly, having now tasted it, both Ardbeg and Laphroaig are far superior. That's not to say this isn't a pleasant experience; it is quite lovely, especially considering I found it on clearance. This is the type of Islay one might use to introduce a non-Islay drinker. It's delicate in its peat presence, lacking the medicinal qualities of Laphroaig or the tar notes of Ardbeg. It's not as delicate as something like Jura 10, but it is delicate nonetheless. The aroma is reminiscent of Lapsang Tea, a smoky tea, with a hint of vanilla and a faint whiff of lemon. The palate follows suit, with the peat becoming slightly more pronounced but still mild. Honey is mixed in, continuing the Lapsang tea impression. During the finish, vanilla and lemon flavors become more prominent, though the finish itself is relatively short and doesn't linger like Laphroaig or Ardbeg. It's certainly not comparable to Bruichladdich. Overall, it's not worth its standard retail price, so I'm unlikely to buy it again, but I'm glad I had the opportunity to try it. I'd be interested in trying an older, higher-proof Bowmore, as they are reputed to be good. For now, the current proof serves a purpose. The reason I'm opening this tonight is that a late-night football game is starting, and since I have to work tomorrow, sticking to lower-proof whiskies is a wise choice for a smoother morning. Speaking of which, a friend brought over Jura 10, which is half the price of this and lightly peated, though not an Islay, making for an interesting comparison. However, for now, I'll conclude without comparing the two. This Bowmore 12 is sufficient for now.

Nose: Oaky, sweet, with some smoke. Not much alcohol detected. Taste: Oakiness and sweetness, likely from the bourbon cask. Really nice, mellow smoke, evoking sitting by a dying fire on a summer evening. The smoky character develops mid-palate. Possibly a floral hint, like heather, at the end. It has a long finish. Conclusions: I truly enjoy this one! As a newcomer to Scotch, most bottles are new experiences for me. I suspect many of you who prefer high ABV and complexity might find it a bit mild. But for me, the sweetness pairs wonderfully with the peat. It goes down very easily. I would recommend this for individuals like myself who have leaned towards bourbon and are just starting with peaty spirits. Or simply for a smooth, sweet, and smoky whiskey.

Bowmore 12 year COLOR: At 1.6 Mahogany, artificial coloring was likely used. NOSE: Initially, there's mild ash and peat. Further sniffs reveal little else, perhaps some honeycomb and a little tart fruit. There's also a barnyard funk. NEAT: Much sweeter than the nose suggests, with honey, vanilla, and apple. Peat and campfire smoke appear on the backend and finish, leaving an ashy coating on the palate. It's quite simple, but good. SPLASH: Introduces an unpleasant bitterness. It's best enjoyed neat. VERDICT: A significant disappointment. Perhaps my expectations for an Islay whisky were too high, or maybe my palate wasn't in a peaty mood. I'm really hoping it improves with more air time. I'll update if it does. For now, 3.25 stars.

Appearance: A rich amber hue. Nose: Hints of lemon and honey from Islay gently embrace the signature smoky notes of Bowmore, with a papery scent. Palate: Features smoky peat and dark chocolate flavors with a salty touch. Finish: A subtle and extended aftertaste with delicate changes.

The nose is quite sweet, showing significant bourbon influence with hints of vanilla, peat smoke, caramel, olive brine, and a touch of fruit. The palate delivers bourbon-driven fruitiness with notes of ripe pear, pineapple, and more caramel, plus a subtle hint of char and smoke, along with a slight ashy bitterness. The finish is medium in length, featuring grilled pineapple and stone fruit, with an ash and iodine bitterness. It's very good, but the bottle needs considerable time to open up, offering decent complexity and flavor for the cost.

From a whiskey advent calendar. That calendar is consistently excellent! Tried it neat. Peaty and fruity with citrus, pepper, and leather notes on the nose, finishing slightly tart. On the palate, it's smooth and smoky, reminiscent of sitting by a campfire, with notes of leather, cinnamon, and a hint of caramel.