Bowmore 12 Year

Rich and smooth! Nice peat without being overwheming. Dry and easy to drink.

color: burnished copper nose: floral, honeyed, pungent, sulfuric, lagavulin-like, musty, old wood palate: sweeter than the nose, oak more prominent, vanilla, caramel, toffee, "smooth"/soft/gentle mouthfeel finish: lemony, short, although some astringency lingers

Review #023 Type: single malt scotch Proof: 40% Comments: aged 12 years, ex-bourbon Tasted after: first up Appearance (no score): Russet color. Swirling reveals a thick line sticking to the side of the glass, legs form moderately quickly. Nose: 16/20 Very soft peat smoke and sweetness on the nose, vanilla, and a whiff of barbecue. Palate: 32/40 Silky and moderate flavor on the first sips, almost to the point of being watery. Primarily I get honey and citrus. Finish: 35/40 Surprisingly long finish, smooth and not wildly exciting, it takes its time. A very subtle alcohol burn brings more lemon and gradually increasing saltiness, ends with subtle smoke and campfire char With Water: A drop of water brings out a little additional honey sweetness. Total: 83/100 Final thoughts: First time trying Bowmore, the last of the Islay distilleries I’ve yet to sample, it’s not as bold and intense as many of the others in this region, but it’s so easy to drink and very delicious all the same. I could very easily envision a bottle of this being a daily sipper. Price: taste from a friend’s bottle Would recommend: yes Would buy: yes Scoring Legend: 96-100: The perfect dram, absolutely exceptional, nectar of the gods, I will savor this bottle and make it last, 5 stars. 90-95: Near perfect, there is something truly special about this whisky, 4.75 stars. 85-89: Very good to amazing, almost the complete product, 4.5 stars. 80-84: Quite good, very enjoyable to drink, but doesn’t wow me, 4.25 stars. 75-79: Good, enjoyable but ultimately flawed, unlikely to purchase again, 4 stars. 70-74: A solid dram, but wouldn't go out of my way to get it, 3.75 stars. 55-69: Drinkable, 3.5-2.75 stars. Below 55: Suitable for cooking or direct contribution to the kitchen sink drain, 2.5 stars or less.

Too smoky for my taste