Scotch: Bowmore 12 Year Old Single Malt

Ah, Bowmore! This is a tough Scotch! But, then, what do you expect from an Islay malt? These guys have their character, don't they, and its a character that needs to be properly appreciated. An Islay might threaten someone venturing in to the world of single malt Scotch for the first time. For the beginner, guidance is required or perhaps a Highland malt. The Islay Scotches must be handled by the experienced, and since I count myself as one of the experienced, perhaps not an expert, I will allow myself to carry on and have a dram.

As your nose approaches this one, it is greeted by a sweet, but sharp, scent. Don't linger on the scent too long - it's powerful. Go for the goods and take a drink, or try breathing in the scent slowly through your mouth. This will give you an entirely different appreciation for the aromas and they are less harsh more reflective of the Scotch's taste. Once you get the stuff in your mouth you are drinking dirt! This is a purely earth taste - everything in this Scotch comes from the peat bog that Islay is famous for. Strong hints of smoke, earth, oil and peat dominate. If you are careful, you can discern that sweetness that was there at the beginning, though it is a grassy sweetness. It goes down nicely with a smoky aftertaste. The problem with this one is that it is an Islay, and to be frank, like all Islays only the earth/peat tastes can be discerned. Perhaps to a true Islay connoisseur one might be able to discern various different peat and earth flavors, but then, who wants to be able to distinguish different flavors of earth? Peat is nice in moderation and an Islay is an important part of any collection of fine Scotch, but, as Aristotle says: seek moderation. Excess in anything is a vice and a distraction.

Stats:
Name:Bowmore
Region: Islay
Age: 12
Alcohol: 43%
Website:

Rating:
On the official Chris' Choice rating scale, Bowmore rates a:
+1