Tastes

On the Nose: For me, because I have been enjoying the "trinity" of Islays - Ardbeg, Laphroaig and Lagavulin, and have recently been introduced to Kilchoman by Mike at Abbey Whisky, this particular Bowmore 12 Year Old expression seemed slightly anemic to me in terms of the strength of the peat and smoke translation from the nosing. Yes, it does capture the traditional essence of Islay, the smoke and peat notes, as well as a touch of iodine and saltiness - but also does almost cross over into a Speyside with subtle layerings of lemon, honey and vanilla cream. Tasting: NEAT: Very mellow on the tongue because it is bottled at 40% ABV which allows you to enjoy the initial taste, foregoing the alcohol sear of higher ABVs or Cask Strength Islays. Layers of honey, vanilla, a slight tart dryness from the sherry cask. With WATER: The Flavors REALLY open up for me with the addition of a few drops of water (about 1 teaspoon to a 2 oz. dram) and the complexities actually improve with water. I experienced a stronger burnt caramel note with stronger expressions of smokey ham and saltiness. The water also increased a more impressive oily mouth feel which is more characteristic of an Islay. FInish: Not as long as I usually like in my Islays, dry, ashy, wooden and fading. There seems to be a lack of staying power in the finish of this 12 year - but again, I am stacking this review against what I think are the pinnacles of the Islays that I have tasted - but especially Kilchoman of which their FIVE year is FAR more complex, richer and rounder than this 12 year Bowmore expression. Conclusion: I still hold ALL of my Islay tastings to the Ardbeg Uigeadail because it is exactly what I expect from my Islay dram. That being said, not everyone appreciates or is able to enjoy the traditional smokey, briny and medicinal flavorings of stronger, peatier Islays so please take that into consideration when you read my review. All in all, a very mellow Islay - probably very pleasing to have around as variety in your daily drams.

As I try and broaden my epicurean horizons and palate, I have always been curious about Scotch Whiskeys and decided to do a fair amount of research to see what may work for me. I am a huge fan of red wines - mostly Merlots, Cabs and Super Tuscans and LOVE big, bold flavors so after a fair amount of searching, I discovered Ardbeg Uigeadail and just completed my first true Single Malt tasting - complete with Glencairn tasting glass. It was truly incredible as I did so while watching a YouTube video from Whisky.com with Horst Luening - their expert in tasting and teaching: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vRhCb-VIagg. I was astonished at the sheer complexity and the clarity of the flavors in this tasting; moreso than many of the red wines I have tasted. This was a 2 ounce pouring and tasting. From the nosing, it was powerful and smokey, reminiscent of woodfire, smokey bacon and that honest earthiness of the countryside. But, as instructed in the video, I cut the scotch ever so slightly with distilled water and that is where the complexity really reached new heights and the tasting was just glorious. I had NO IDEA that Scotch Whiskey could be this interesting, delicious and incredibly satisfying. What a wonderful discovery!