Bowmore 12 Year Old

Bowmore is the only one if you like smoky, but not necessarily industrial strength peat overpowering all other flavors. There is a definite snobbishness when it comes to "peat monsters", I find. The Bowmore range to me is a progression, with maximum smokiness at 15 years, then dwindling to delightful floral flavors. My personal favorite is the 17 which I can only get at Duty Free. It should be considered the "delicacy" of malts.

One of the best ways I've heard to drink Bowmore is to have a sip, then add a little water, which will release a "salty" character that supposedly comes from the distillery lying so close to the sea that this taste infuses with the whisky...

A very enjoyable Islay single malt that doesn't quite yet live to its full potential. Wonderful smell and easy to drink; Bowmore 12yo has a mixture of sweet and smoky notes but is still a bit unrefined and "shy" in taste. The finish in particular is rather undeveloped at this young age. A good introduction to Bowmore and Islay in general, but there are much better ones out there. 7 out of 10

This is much better than Bowmore 15 y darkest, but I can't recommend both of them. Simply too light and sweet for Islay malts. On the other hand, some people may like it that way.

You are supposed to add water very gradually. If you find the character displayed sufficient off the get go, and there aren't any over powering flavor sensations nor alcohol content, then you may find 'neat' agreeable. Otherwise add in accordance to your senses.

As far as that above comments go, DONT drink malts like this "neat" especially Islay's As far as i understand its the water that actually puts the whisky under duress, it "shocks" it and brings out a lot of the more subtle flavours, so when you drink it "neat" you are basically missing out on a lot of what the distiller wanted you to experience !!!

Agree with the first review, do not overwater, maximum should be another 15% by volume.Use a dropper !!!

An Excellent lower priced Islay scotch to pour between tugs at the higher end bottles (Lagxxxx, etc). This one has a wonderful first impression, but lacks some of the finish the big boys provide. Still, I always have a bottle of this on hand. For me, it's easier to drink then the Lap quarter cask, Ardbeg 10, or Laddie Peat. As posted above, this is a "Neat" dram.

A truly outstanding dram. Love the peat smoke, so rich and smooth. This has to be drunk neat.

Bought a bottle of this just to try something new. I never really went for the Islay whiskies before. Must say I love this one. The burst of smoke is something to savor every time. Personally I go one part whisky to one part water. Works perfectly with this gem. Open fire on a cold winters night, look no further.

Brilliant,lots of peaty smoke with a whiff of the sea in the background and finishes with a hint of sherry.Much smokier than the 10 year old,so smooth you could scoll it from the bottle.

The first single malt that I truly fell for. That woosh of smoke gets me every time. Very well balanced and integrated with a laid back and long finish to savour.

Avoid over-watering to access the numerous veils of peaty flavours available. A great malt for after dinner - so rich and muscley. The balance of Bowmore...