The heart of the Bowmore range, the 12 year old exhibits some beautiful coastal notes with a gentle peat, it is the balance that the floral element presents that makes this a great entry bottling for Bowmore.
Coastal smoke and ash soon make way for bergamot, orange zest, lemon slices and some hay before becoming rather floral, heather smoke now competing with the ash.
Lovely and rounded, honeyed even, initially. Vanilla, perfumed smoke and coastal elements develop. Dark Peat. Blossom, oily sweetness.
Smoky and long. Sea spray, dry grass, a touch of ash and citrus.
Classic stuff and the heart of the Bowmore range. Smoky, fruity, coastal, delicious.
I can't figure this whisky out. On my first pour, I would have described the flavor as "stagnant seawater and varnish, with an overpowering hint of sweatsock." I am a fan of Islay Whisky, but I put this bottle away and vowed not to allow it near my lips again. A few short weeks later, I was persuaded to try it again. The second tasting was completely different - a balanced honey sweetness, a bit oily but not unpleasant, and that lovely smoky finish. A third taste, and even more new flavors were in the mix - butterscotch and citrus - and oddly, the "sweatsock" was back again, too, although not as overpowering. Tasted again, and salty and sweet flavors come to the fore, followed by smoke. This bottle of Bowmore 12 YO may be the most mystifying and thoroughly entertaining bottle of whisky I've ever had.
Discovered Islay single malts about a year ago. Absolutely love the Bowmore 12. 2 oz every night whether I need it or not, with a small splash of water. Dave in Nova Scotia
Smoked apple juice theme seems to be Bowmore trademark. Too light on palate and seriously underpowered at 40 %. I like Islay malts, but this one doesn't impress me.
If this was from a fancy name distillery, it would be rated much higher. Maybe some of the fancier name products are better. Maybe. But almost certainly not for the price.
I usually like whiskey but this brand is terrible!!! I have asked my husband wether it could be a bad batch!!!!
