Bowmore 12 years old Round Tube Yellow Taxstamp Single Islay Malt Scotch Whisky 40%
Where Loch Indaal beats against the walls, and part of the warehouse lies below sea level, one of Islay's most recognisable drams matures. Bowmore 12 Year Old is where most people begin their journey into the island's peat smoke – and where many keep coming back.
The expert's take on Bowmore 12 Year Old Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Bowmore 12 Year Old is the flagship and first step in the core range from Bowmore, the oldest distillery on Islay, founded in 1779. It's a classic, permanent part of the line-up – not a limited edition, but a whisky that has proven itself over decades and defined what an approachable Islay malt tastes like.
Bowmore is one of the few distilleries still running its own floor maltings and handling part of the malting in-house. The barley is peated to around 25 ppm, giving a smoke that's clearly present but never as fierce as at neighbours Ardbeg and Lagavulin. That gentler peating is a big part of why this particular bottle is so often called a perfect gateway into the island's style.
The whisky matures in a combination of ex-bourbon and sherry casks, and is laid down partly in the legendary No. 1 Vaults – one of the world's oldest malt warehouses, where the casks rest below sea level with the Atlantic crashing on the other side of the wall. That maritime setting leaves its mark: a light, salty breeze running through both nose and palate.
Tasting notes
Nose
Bright and inviting. Honey and citrus sit up front, wrapped in Bowmore's characteristic gentle peat smoke. Behind it hide florals, a little vanilla and a hint of sea salt.
Palate
Soft and creamy on the tongue, with heather honey, ripe citrus and a light, salted smoke. A discreet sweetness on the back end balances the peat nicely and keeps everything rounded.
Finish
Medium and mellow. The smoke pulls away slowly alongside a dry, lightly peppered note and a final breath of honey.
Specifications
Name: Bowmore 12 Year Old Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky 40%
Distillery: Bowmore
Region/Country: Islay, Scotland
Type: Single Malt Scotch Whisky
ABV: 40%
Size: 700 ML
Cask type: Ex-bourbon and sherry
Edition: Core range
Flavour profile
Smoky · Maritime · Fruity · Honeyed · Soft · Creamy
Did you know?
During World War II, Bowmore didn't distil whisky – the distillery was requisitioned by the RAF and used as an air station during the Battle of the Atlantic. The buildings survived the war, and production resumed shortly after.
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