Bowmore 12 Year Old Scotch Review
By Richard Thomas
Rating: B+
(Credit: Beam-Suntory)
While Bowmore certainly has a good reputation, it’s strangely overlooked among the “Islay Eight.” I say it is strange because Bowmore was the first legal distillery on the island, receiving a license in 1779; I say overlooked because despite that historical feature and its redoubtable whiskies, few enthusiasts would point to Bowmore and say “this is Islay’s classic/iconic/chic distillery.”
Just ten years ago, a truly antique bottle of Bowmore from 1850 was sold at auction for a mere £29,400 (about $45,000 at the time). I know “mere” doesn’t seem like a word to be associated with the price tag of a new Volvo, but keep in mind that ultra-aged, but ultimately modern Macallan single malts routinely bring in that kind of cash. It’s a pretty sum, but not so much really for a one of a kind item.
Bowmore 12 Year Old is the flagship of the line, and enjoys a well-deserved reputation as a fine example of an entry level single malt, to say nothing of being an entry level Islay malt. In the “Talks Scotch” interviews I do with authors, actors and models, it’s come up often with the folks who like peaty whiskies when we get to their affordable go-to choices.
The Scotch
Bowmore 12 is bottled at 40% ABV and is a pretty dark Scotch at that mark, with a coloring that straddles gold and light amber. The coating of the glass yields a pattern of solid, almost evenly spaced legs.
The scent is mild and smoky in the main, accented by notes of bergamot, lemon blossoms and fresh cut hay. It’s a very pleasant (if you like peat smoke) nose, both moderately sophisticated and well-rounded.
The flavor is richly smoked, like a thick bank rolling in over your tongue. It’s not overwhelming, though, as that carpet of smoke is fairly balanced (albeit not as balanced as in the nose) by orange blossom honey and bourbon barrel vanilla. The finish is ashy and grassy, lightly warm and quite lengthy.
Remarkably flavorful for a whisky bottled at the minimum 40%, Bowmore 12 Year Old is one of the best entry level single malts around. At the very least, it’s a contender for the best entry level from Islay. At the same time, it’s easy to see why my interview subjects kept pointing to it as a go-to whisky.
The Price
Bowmore 12 Year Old typically goes for $50 in the States and £40 in the UK.
I keep a note of my whiskies over the years and had a tasting note from 2002. I looked forward to trying this whisky again but was very disappointed. Reading the tasting notes on the bottle it sounds enjoyable. I couldn’t taste any of the flavours described. The Smoke and Peat overpowered any other possible flavours. I’ve never written a bad review in my whisky journal or on-line but this was the most disappointing whisky I’ve tried. Hopefully it was just a bad bottle but I won’t be rushing out to buy this again any time soon.
Agree. Paprika flavoured whisky, no other way to effing describe it. Awful stuff to drink, yet tempted to marinate a chicken in it. My 2p, each to their own.
This whisky is a rip off it doesn’t taste good at all.
I was very disappointed as soon as I took the bottle from its box. The colour looked so dark and artificial . I’m quite new to whiskey but already disappointed that artificial colouring E150a is added to whiskey by some distilleries.
Why in earth would a whiskey that has been inside a cask for a long number of years of 5 years and longer need artificial additives. It’s surely the taste that matters. Why bother wasting all this year’s you might as well go the whole way and add artificial flavours too. From now on I will make absolutely sure my next single malt will be additive free
This whisky is great with chips (instead of vinegar)
This is a great Islay scotch – I love the heady peat aroma, and the dry, lingering smoky finish. I’ve not found a better peaty single malt at this price point. I paid $64.
Paprika flavoured whisky. Awful to drink but maybe good enough to marinate a chicken in it. My 2p. Each to their own.
Bowmore 12 is a great daily drinker. I save the more expensive stuff for the weekends. B12 comes through with great peat smoke taste and a long, satisfying finish. Surprisingly good for it’s (cheap) price. I also enjoy Bowmore No. 1, another value-for-the-money daily drinker.
Very good scotch, especially for the price. Some mild peat with a long smooth finish, slightly peppery almost like a Talisker 10.
It is a solid Isley single malt scotch. I just noticed the 40% ABV which never bothered me before maybe because it feels stronger. It has character and subtle flavors not found in other scotches. I drink it approximately once a month. The best part for me is the nose, genuinely Islay.
I was looking forward to trying this fine looking whiskey. It was a Christmas gift and was very much appreciated. As soon as the bottle was opened the aroma was off putting. The tasting was more than off putting; the flavour was what an adhesive bandage might taste of. It made my tongue tingle. I had to put mix in with it to try make the whiskey palatable, which didn’t help at all.
Paprika? I don’t think you are familiar with Islay Whisky.
This is one of my favorite whiskies. It’s an entry level Islay whisky. It’s a not in your face peated whisky. Easy to drink and gentle on the palate. Not for people who just drink whisky from time to time, but for people who is beyond Glenlivet, Glenfiddich or Macallan 12 and Entering Islay territory. Great nose, good flavor. Great one…
It tastes like antiseptic- couldn’t even drink it as a hot toddy!
Heavy on the smoke and for me it has a very briny quality which works because it is evocative of Islay, of windblown beaches, campfires amongst the fog and dew. it is not for everyone, but it is for this one.
A friend gave me a bottle. I’ve read the reviews and it seems there are some folks that just don’t like the peaty medicinal flavor of the Islay whiskies. This one is super smooth. Hits all the right notes without being over the top, in your face peaty. Definitely entry level but can not be compared to a bourbon or other American whiskey or Irish whiskey for that matter. Enjoy it for what it is.
This is one of my favorite entry Islay/peated scotches. It’s not overly peaty and medicinal, but it is still distinctly smoky and distinctly Islay. For whiskey drinkers who are just learning to appreciate Islay scotches, this is a great introduction. Then again, maybe it’s better for some as a follow up to one of the more potent Islays like Laphroaig, as then they’ll appreciate the smoother finish of Bowmore 12. If you’re a sweet bourbon drinker, you’ll probably be put off by the first sip of any Islay whiskey.