Erogers100
Bowmore 12 Year
Single Malt — Islay, Scotland
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.
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Glad you enjoy Talisker! Lagavulin is excellent as well, just tried Distillers edition today and will be putting in tasting notes soon.
Oh, and forgot to mention that Springbank 10 is on my wish list. I think I will bump up its priority level. I've been wanting to try a Campbelltown.
Good advice, Matt. However, I would add that my palate is evolving quickly through exposure. I'm rather enjoying a bottle of Talisker 10 right now, which is on the peaty side for a Highland malt from what I can gather. It's certainly no Laphroaig, but is more peaty than Bowmore. My thinking is Lagavulin will be my next venture into Islay.
I recommend revisiting laphroaig 10 and also try Ardbeg 10 in a few years. Until then stick with Bowmore and try Springbank 10 for a new experience. Cheers!
Definitely try the 18! You can get a Bowmore sample pack that allows you to taste the 12, 15 and 18 together. That's what I was able to try and it was amazing. Would highly recommend!