Damn. Bowmore 12 Year is good.

Many reviews I read said that it was somewhat "weak" as compared to the similar expressions from other Islay distilleries such as Ardbeg and Laphroaig, but I found this sentiment to be an oversimplification and and underselling of an all-around great Scotch whisky.

Nose.

An unobtrusive, gentle punch to the senses, the nose resonates with smoke, honey and dampness (damp railroad ties/wood/grass).

Body.

Immediate fruit--lemons, caramel, apples--tempered by an almost perfect counter-flavor pop of ashes, pepper, and smoke. A strange bittnerness, perhaps like a damp bread or fishiness resides at the back.

Finish.

Long, burning and warm, the oak and wood oils mingle with a pronounced pepper finish to make one feel as if the coasts of Islay are right in front of them. Sea salt, smoke, damp grass.

Summary.

Bowmore 12 is not a full-on assault like the Ardbeg Corryvreckan, but is a beautifully light, flavorful and "happy" whisky to be enjoyed with friends, and even as a summer scotch perhaps.

When to drink/drinking notes.

Drink this expression with a close friend. As the bottle and the flavor palette opens up, so do you. Goes down extremely easy. I feel I could have finished two or three bottles by myself. Watch out!

Final Rating: 4.7 / 5 Stars

Enjoy our review here!

~Kafka

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Graham Smith is a Voluntaryist activist, creator, and peaceful parent residing in Niigata City, Japan. Graham runs the "Voluntary Japan" online initiative with a presence here on Steem, as well as Facebook and Twitter. Hit me up so I can stop talking about myself in the third person!