Erogers100
Reviewed
November 10, 2016 (edited January 12, 2018)
I am a peated Scotch neophyte. Before Bowmore 12, I had only had Laphroaig 10, which tasted like poison to me, Highland Park 12, which was okay, and Bunnahabhain 12, which was only inconsequentially peated. I can say that Bowmore is the best so far.
In the glass, the amber color suggests something perhaps less substantial than what the palate brings. Long legs on the side of the glass hint at its body and full mouth feel.
On the nose, apples, oak, vanilla, honey, hay, and peat smoke are present. The palate is very sweet with continued honey, some oak, subtle sea spray, and a bit of a medicinal, Campho-Phenique flavor. The medium finish brings some more sweetness and lingering peat smoke, and very little burn.
In short, it is sweet, smooth, and peaty and medicinal enough to keep it interesting. The empty glass smells of bandaids. Looking forward to trying the 18-year, based upon comparative reviews I've read.