Bowmore 12-year-old

Overall rating
80.30/100
votes
1219
Whiskybase ID
WB35533
Category
Single Malt
Distillery
Bottler
Distillery Bottling
Stated Age
12 years old
Strength
40.0 % Vol.
Size
700 ml
Label
Age Statement in Square
Barcode
5010496080818
Added on
17 sep 2012 10:25 am
ColoredChillfiltered

Average value

€ 41.21

55 × in wishlist

1219 × member ratings

3334 × in collection

Whisky reviews for Bowmore 12-year-old

170 users have left 182 reviews for this whisky. Average rating is 80.30 points.

  1. crippos scored this whisky 85 points Member Senior

    "The Mystery of Peat" could be the name of a new theology theory based upon this whisky: it's his secret and if you don't know it's there you can't feel it, but once you savored every simple element this whisky has it comes out, like a scenographer at the end of his play showing himself, doing a bow, and getting his own applause.
    • Nose
      85 85
      Malt and strong strong cider, some leather and wax - smells of "classic" and of new home furniture. Doesn't give you the feeling it needs a second thought; just takes you to your first sip. A little later some vanilla and raisins side up with the previous giants, all mixed up in a nice balance - citrus is the main character, malt is its trusty companion, the sweet notes make the surroundings.
      As I said before, medicinal smoke comes out at the end of the glass.
    • Taste
      88 88
      Medium consistency. Begins with sweet vanilla on the tip of your tongue, which then gets surrounded by woody feeling and again, strong citrus at the back of your mouth. Some chocolate also, you can feel a hint of it if you make some whisky dash on your palate. Some salty feeling at the end of the glass.
    • Finish
      82 82
      Middle length with strong wood followed by raisins and notes of vanilla, citrus, sponge cake. Some sweet flavours mix with the woody ones and give you a nice caramel. Then peat - at the end of your glass you can get it, that character has been reciting in this play for the whole time, pulling strings, exalting all the other characters...

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  3. Malthead19 scored this whisky 75 points Connoisseur

    - solid standard 12 year old whisky from Islay
    - not the best 12-year-old standard, but you can do it for 25 to 30€
    nothing wrong here
    • Nose
      aromatic smoke, beautifully integrated into a light sherry note
    • Taste
      sweetish smoky start, uncomplicated, pleasantly easy to drink, mild smoke, great daily dram
    • Finish
      medium length finish ;
      medium-long smoky aftertaste

  4. Alex_1988 scored this whisky 80 points Member Senior

    Nose: smoke, honey

    Flavor: smooth smoke, sweet honey

    Finish: long, warm

  5. Sporx scored this whisky 80 points Connoisseur

    Aroma
    Sweetish, little smoke, fresh, citrus notes

    The taste
    Sweetish, spicy, cold smoke, citrus notes, light chocolate, unfortunately only 40

    posthumous
    Medium length, somewhat bitter woody, slightly astringent, dark chocolate, citrus notes

  6. aw-home scored this whisky 82 points Expert Senior

    • Nose
      Peat smoke with polish, citrus, marine notes and honey.
    • Taste
      Sherry fruit with honey, peat smoke, dark chocolate and oak notes.
    • Finish
      Long with sherry and citrus, vanilla, milk chocolate, peat smoke and oak notes.

  7. _Dziki_ scored this whisky 79 points Expert Senior

    Poor for a Bowmore, heavily watered down whisky. I won't be coming back.
    • Nose
      80 80
    • Taste
      78 78
    • Finish
      80 80

  8. Boletus did not rate this whisky Connoisseur

    A classic Islay malt. Smoky, but not exaggerated, is a pleasant whisky that is drinkable despite being slightly dry. Designed to be drunk and not necessarily admired.
    • Nose
      Tangerine, ''Wick'' lemon candy and ''Fisherman's Friend'', delicate smoke resonates, herbal tea with honey, spices in the background
    • Taste
      Honey, beeswax, caramel, heather, lavender, peaty barley, becomes more malty and spicy, a hint of lemon zest, a smoky curtain settles on the palate, a little oak comes through, becoming peppery
    • Finish
      Quite medium long, dry-smoky, chai tea, milk coffee, ''Fisherman's Friend'' aniseed, liquorice, ammonia, slightly salty ash and pipe smoke with vanilla aroma remain

  9. VLG scored this whisky 34 points Expert Junior

    34

  10. bl0wb4ck scored this whisky 82 points Member Senior

    Not bad at all for the asking price. Easy beginner with a fine smoky note. Although all Bowmores with a higher age indication are better, this criticism evaporates at a purchase price of less than 30 euros.

  11. KennyH2O scored this whisky 80 points Member Senior

    Nice islay whisky, I would probably use it as an intro to islay due to lighter smoke. The biggest downside for me is the alc % as it would benefit from some more
    • Nose
      Earthy, distant smoke, sea salt, moss
    • Taste
      Sweet in the beginning, light smoke, seaweed,herbs
    • Finish
      short, bit dry, warm, chocolate

  12. kanpai79 scored this whisky 82 points Specialist

    • Nose
      82 82
    • Taste
      83 83
    • Finish
      82 82

  13. Bembel scored this whisky 75 points Expert Senior

    Beautiful, slightly complex and round entry-level for Islay's.
    • Nose
      Light, sweet smoke. Fresh mouthfeel. Very fruity from the sherry portion. Malt, oak, citrus, sweet vanilla.
    • Taste
      Relatively mild in the beginning. Fruity with sweet oranges. Oak, smoke, chocolate, herbal honey.
    • Finish
      medium length Sweet with light smoke and wood (slightly dry).

  14. AleMuse25 scored this whisky 84 points Member Senior

    In the aroma of smoke and fruit, an apple can. The taste is cool, slightly sweet, the finish is a hint of smoke, fine wood, leather maybe. Cool because it is a light balloon, bodadztwo and light notes of fruit and vanilla appear

  15. Drum scored this whisky 85 points Expert Senior

    The Bowmore 12y is really tasty, mild and also tasted good to "non-whisky drinkers" who were served it by me.
    • Nose
      Discreet beautiful smoke note, light rubber note, citrus fruits, liquorice and baked fruits
    • Taste
      Light creamy smoke, mild, woody, minimal pepper, felled trees, dark chocolate
    • Finish
      Light creamy smoke, mild, woody, minimal pepper, felled trees, dark chocolate.

  16. hogsheadwhisky scored this whisky 82 points Expert Senior

    A simple no-nonsense standard for beginners. In the nose first smoke then show the bourbon casks. With a few minutes in the glass, the sherry casks used also come. Much spicier and tart in the mouth with a short finish. The 15y is a different caliber here with its clear sherry profile. Still a decent PLV if you get it for around €25.
    • Nose
      84 84
      Pleasant sweet smoke aromas flow from the Premium Snifter. Some phenolic smoke along with honey and delicate citrus notes. This is followed by leather, waxy wood polish and aromas of dried apricot and orange fruits. A gentle salty sea breeze floats in the background the entire time.
    • Taste
      81 81
      The mouthfeel is light, somewhat watery. The not so high alcohol content of 40% certainly plays a role here. The smoke is immediately present. A slight sweetness is also recognizable - but not as intense as before in the smell. Then it becomes herbal and the oak shows up for the first time with a little spice and white pepper as well as a slight bitterness. Unfortunately, I no longer have the dried fruit from the smell. In general, there is little fruit influence in the taste.
    • Finish
      81 81
      Due to the slight alcohol content, the finish is rather short-lived. The smoke is of course still present. Some black coffee with lemon zest. The sherry casks are shown here again with old leather aromas.

  17. Spoerkel scored this whisky 79 points Expert Senior

    • Nose
      79 79
    • Taste
      80 80
    • Finish
      79 79

  18. bjoernigol scored this whisky 72 points Expert Senior

    probably the only Bowmore I don't like at all

  19. Obynapewno scored this whisky 81 points Expert Senior

    Nothing complicated, simple, drinkable, perfect for a gentle introduction to the smoke
    • Nose
      81 81
      Citrus, a little iodine, wood, smoke, honey, vanilla
    • Taste
      82 82
      Citrus, caramel, smoke, sweetness
    • Finish
      80 80
      Short, smoky

  20. Hsh scored this whisky 81 points Expert Junior

    Smokey and pit whisky that gives a very kind and soft feeling. Although the scent is not prominent, it is a pleasant drink that has a smoked sausage feeling and a sweet feeling.

  21. JJKATED scored this whisky 80 points Expert Senior

    • Nose
      82 82
    • Taste
      82 82
    • Finish
      77 77

  22. glenrob scored this whisky 80 points Connoisseur

    • Nose
      79 79
    • Taste
      80 80
    • Finish
      80 80

  23. Danksy scored this whisky 70 points Member Senior

    Quite possibly the worst named and age-stated Islay single malt out there.
    • Nose
      Extinguished campfire, sour salt, flattened citrus, faded vanilla, wet cardboard. Malt husks!
    • Taste
      Exactly the same as the nose, plus a deceptive hint of heavily spent sherry that disappears as soon as you think you've found it. You think it's there, but it's not really there at all.
    • Finish
      Medium, spicy, charred barrel, hints of sherry. This is actually the best part of the whole experience. Not a bad finish.

      Final thoughts: in a blind tasting I would never guess this is an Islay. This smells and tastes like one of those no-name releases from some island they won't tell you about, because they're too ashamed to admit they dug this stuff up in an abandoned warehouse that nobody wanted anymore.
      Given this is actually an official bottling of a 12-year-old single malt from Islay, this is simply a complete disaster and even an embarrassment - yes, I'm going that far with this! Have you tried McClelland's Islay? This here is the same thing, except it's 12 years old. Did you know that Bowmore actually produces McClelland's Islay? Which is all you should need to understand that they no longer care about their reputation. They just want to spend less and sell more. A real shame to see an Islay distillery fall this low.
      If you're wondering, my bottling is from 31.08.21. I was curious if I got a bad batch or something, so I did some research and found an interesting review of Bowmore's 12, 15 and 18 single malts on Malt Review, back from August 2020. Unsurprisingly, they were all rated 3/10. Shame!

  24. MrDvorak scored this whisky 82 points Expert Senior

    RATING: 82pts – |80 – 82 (B-) → Okay| — No major flaws, worth tasting.

  25. kikist scored this whisky 79 points Expert Senior

    Really okay for it's price range, missing that flavor punch, probably needs few more percent for it!
    Expected more complexity for it's age!
    • Nose
      83 83
      For me nose is the best segment of this whisky!
      Smoke is pretty hidden for me, but some fruity and walnut notes coming in front, behind is sweet vanilla.
      When I dive deeper there are also dirty socks :)
    • Taste
      78 78
      For me missing complexity, there are some salt, some sweetness, vanilla
    • Finish
      75 75
      bitter herbs and some acidity, belive or not thats all for me

  26. MLE scored this whisky 81 points Expert Senior

    • Nose
      82 82
    • Taste
      82 82
    • Finish
      78 78

  27. HammerHead scored this whisky 79 points Connoisseur

    First Bowmore 12 I've had in probably 10 years. As I was only just exploring beyond standard expressions at the time this was a pretty solid experience back then.
    Currently I find this somewhat underwhelming and forgettable. It smells and tastes of a wet extinguished camp fire. Also a sour note (not citrussy but something fermenting). A short charcoaly finish, that's about it. Had a Laproaig 10 afterwards and although that's also bottled at a mere 40%, it's definitely more enthralling.
    • Nose
      79 79
    • Taste
      80 80
    • Finish
      78 78

  28. haubi scored this whisky 81 points Expert Junior

    • Nose
      84 84
      sweet maritime smoke, caramelized sugar, orange marmalade, raisins
    • Taste
      76 76
      sour (balsamic?), vanilla
    • Finish
      82 82
      ash, sea salt

  29. The_Osprey scored this whisky 79 points Expert Senior

    Bowmore 12 (40%). Feb 2019 - Aroma plasticky oak, soft smoke, quite muted. Taste has some light fruits, soft smoke, salty with crunchy barley. More barley than peat. Just quite simple. (3.15/76) April 2019 - Waxy sherry dark choc reminds of bunna spirit. Much more sherry than previous batch I tried. (3.3/79)

  30. riegerjonas scored this whisky 83 points Expert Senior

    2020-10-21
    • Nose
      83 83
      Smoke, light citrus notes, bread, pastries
    • Taste
      82 82
      soft, light but intense smoke, spicy wood taste, somewhat watery
    • Finish
      83 83

  31. keizerjos scored this whisky 79 points Expert Senior

    Bowmore and I are not close friends yet. Last year's 15YO boot-to-Sweden liter is a very decent Scotch - although Bob Ross Whisky - but I find this 12YO standard bottling weak, a shadow of an Islay, unconvincing and flimsy. Then we have had that. The black rock is definitely worse, I cannot emphasize that enough. There is enough variety in this one - leather, tobacco, oriental flavors - star anise and five-spice flavors - to take a pleasant sip. The price is also reasonable, but the short finish and the few memorable or special details make it a thirteen-in-a-dozen Islay. Do me an impressive Bowmore, dear friends, so that I can also cheer about this illustrious brand - for the time being it will only be a polite applause.

  32. FuturePerfect scored this whisky 83 points Expert Junior

    I don't think I have any real problems with this entry-level whisky, which is generally recommended for Islany newbies, if it had only been bottled with at least three percentage points more.
    So the beautiful Bowmore smoke does not manage to carry the whisky long enough here. There is a lack of alcohol.

    Everyone, beginners as well as advanced, is generally better advised with the 43% bottlings (Bowmore 15 or directly the 18).
    • Nose
      84 84
      Delicate smoke, light fresh sweetness
    • Taste
      83 83
      Oak slowly grows stronger and joins the smoke, but falls short of what could have been with less water.
    • Finish
      81 81
      Short and painless. Would have liked to have stayed longer.

  33. SpiritWulf scored this whisky 74 points Expert Junior

    Nose (22/30): clear smoke beforehand, something slightly sweet behind it (towards vanilla), slightly sour and grainy
    Mouth (29/40): salt, smoke significantly lighter than in the nose, a little bit alcoholic pungency, could be better integrated in 40% Oily / gummy notes and butter toast
    Finish (23/30): salt, spice, vanilla and medium-long persistence

    Conclusion: I love smoke, but this Islay malt is the weakest I have tried so far.

  34. Whisky Hamster scored this whisky 78 points Expert Senior

    Whenever I can't sleep I remind myself of the lackluster and flat Islay experience that is Bowmore 12 (or Laphroaig Select for that matter). Below average malt bottled at minimum strength. Of course not bad per se as in undrinkable, but there are so many better options out there.

  35. hafssol scored this whisky 82 points Expert Junior

    Always one of my favourites, perfectly balanced between smoke and sweet flavours. Ideal for a daily dram, could never get bored of it.

  36. Foudos scored this whisky 80 points Expert Senior

    • Nose
      80 80
    • Taste
      81 81
    • Finish
      78 78

  37. SimondeVette scored this whisky 76 points Expert Senior

    A smooth Islay whisky. Not an award winning dram in my opinion, but definitely not unpleasant.
    • Nose
      Pear, caramel, vanilla, a bit smoky
    • Taste
      Licorice, toffee, pear, citrus, vanilla, tabacco
    • Finish
      Pretty long and with a soft mouthfeel, walnuts, tabacco, caramel

  38. Georges scored this whisky 80 points Connoisseur

    • Nose
      Peat smoke, coastal notes, ashy, gay, heather, fruity (oranges, lemons), floral notes
    • Taste
      Peat smoke, honey, vanilla, seasalt, sweet
    • Finish
      Medium long, smoky, grassy, ashy, citrus

  39. NXI scored this whisky 75 points Member Senior

    Heavily powdered and very simple whisky, whose aroma and taste evoke memories of a cheap blend or even some artificially flavored alcohol. It is hard for me to believe that a distillery that has produced masterpieces is capable of creating something like this, but obviously today's reality is like that and we are forced to reconcile.

  40. Gweddry scored this whisky 83 points Expert Senior

    • Nose
      rawness, sherry, medium smoke, peat, roasted plums, jumbo raisins, prunes, Georgian churchkhela, mulled wine, leather, papaya
    • Taste
      medium smoke, currants, red fruits, sweet, chili catch, peach
    • Finish
      smoke, dried fruit, weak omelette, raisins, worcester, baked potatoes, tea, dry, tannins, black currant

  41. AXEoftheNORTH scored this whisky 84 points Member Senior

    Fine lemon and honey notes are held together by the unmistakable Bowmore smokiness. Warm and delicious, with the fine aroma of dark chocolate and peat smoke.
    Finish: long-lasting and fine.

  42. WhiskyPEATer scored this whisky 84 points Expert Senior

    • Nose
      84 84
    • Taste
      84 84
    • Finish
      83 83

  43. GeorgeP scored this whisky 80 points Expert Junior

    For me, one of the least interesting Islay whisky.

  44. Teomarg scored this whisky 83 points Expert Senior

    • Nose
      84 84
    • Taste
      83 83
    • Finish
      83 83

  45. dram-drinker scored this whisky 77 points Photo Moderator

    I like the maritime side of this Bowmore but I don't like the dirty leathery notes
    • Nose
      82 82
      Seabreeze, salty, iodine, some seaweed, harbor water, malty, little dry hay, hints of leather couch, whiffs of smoke
    • Taste
      77 77
      Little punchy, oily, subtle sweetness, little citric, little earthy or farmy, more harbor water, seaweed, something dirty, little smoke, little leathery notes
    • Finish
      73 73
      Medium long, warm, more dirty, leathery

  46. TheWhiskybossch scored this whisky 82 points Expert Senior

    • Nose
      Pleasant peaty scent, but also soft and fruity. Caramel. Typical bowmore scent. Smell of bourbon over time.
    • Taste
      Sweet fruity, but also peat. Soft in the mouth. Slightly spicy.
    • Finish
      Reasonable finish, fruity notes and a bit meaty and spicy and chocolate.

  47. Svarttt scored this whisky 77 points Expert Senior

    • Nose
      79 79
    • Taste
      77 77
    • Finish
      76 76

  48. DrunkDude scored this whisky 82 points Expert Senior

    • Nose
      83 83
      dry fruits, artificial, perfume like, hints of wood, caramel
    • Taste
      81 81
      light and fruity with slight peat, delicate taste of fresh malt, melon little honey sweetness
    • Finish
      82 82
      cool and chill delighted finish with mint sweetness

  49. AntonArkhipov scored this whisky 79 points Member Senior

    19/18/21/21
    • Nose
      Raw cardboard, smoke, engine oil, blackcurrant
    • Taste
      Liquid, Brackish
    • Finish
      Zola and creosote

  50. YD84 scored this whisky 80 points Expert Senior

    • Nose
      81 81
    • Taste
      80 80
    • Finish
      80 80

  51. struijlaartmarijn scored this whisky 80 points Member Junior

    The nose is quite interesting, but the palate and aftertaste is a bit mild and thin. I think this bottle would really benefit from a bit higher proof
    • Nose
      82 82
      smoke, brine, seeweed, lemon, some apples and dark caramel (on the edge of burnt), whole grain bread
    • Taste
      79 79
      much lighter on the smoke. citrus, sour apple, forest honey. rather thin mouthfeel. A little bit of peppermint. Some more fruity notes lingering far away. Hint of vanilla
    • Finish
      78 78
      not very long, light, ashy, citrus

  52. claymore84 scored this whisky 79 points Expert Senior

    Tasted on 06-07-2020.

  53. Scherenschnitte scored this whisky 76 points Expert Senior

    Bowmore 12 year 40% ABV with a healthy dose of E150a (Bottled 2018):⁣

    Decent nose but it falls apart on the palate. Too much oak maybe? Definitely not one I’d recommend given the price being asked for it locally.⁣
    • Nose
      Vanilla sweetness, lemon, apple juice, olive juice, mint, wet dog, lots of earthy and vegetal aromas. Enjoyable nose.⁣
    • Taste
      Thin mouthfeel with flat flavors overall. Damp oak, vanilla, brine, minty fresh sweetness, apple, lemon, grassy, touch of light smoke⁣.
    • Finish
      Medium-short. Mild bitterness with a bit of peppery spice and lingering sweet menthol cigarette smoke. ⁣

  54. DanishDistilled scored this whisky 83 points Expert Senior

    Just a forgettable, mediocre whisky. Has some characteristics that could have been much more impressive, I think.
    • Nose
      85 85
      Nice, fruity nose with a bit of smoke. Oranges, apples, oak.
    • Taste
      82 82
      Very nice taste, but it's covered in burning alcohol and quite thin. Somehow I think this could be a 90+, but they just cheaped out somewhere in the process.
    • Finish
      83 83
      Fresh wood. Not too bad.

  55. erwinnlim scored this whisky 78 points Expert Senior

    This whisky has a good initial impression on the nose, but disappoints on the palate. Good entry level Islay though. Value (£25) : 8/10
    • Nose
      A light slightly medicinal peat note initially. From there some light fruits appear, citrus and pears. Some vanilla sweetness
    • Taste
      Caramel sweetness and citrus fruits with a more earthy peat note on the palate. Some pepper spice from the oak and some bitter coffee. Weaker than I would have expected from the nose
    • Finish
      A continuation of the palate, less fruity and more peat smoke.

  56. mattheww scored this whisky 79 points Expert Senior

    • Nose
      80 80
    • Taste
      80 80
    • Finish
      78 78

  57. Tim1986 scored this whisky 84 points Newbie

    Nose
    Wood, light smoke, dried fruits, prunes, black tea, pepper.
    Taste
    Vanilla, pepper, hazelnuts, bitterness of a wooden barrel.
    Finish
    Moderately warming, soft, smoke, dried fruits, sour prunes.

  58. Emperor69 scored this whisky 84 points Expert Junior

    Color: dark gold with a purple tint.
    Body: dense, oily.
    Nose: Basically sweet with spicy overtones, slightly closed when the bottle is opened, significant oxidation helps it to open up. First of all, we note coals, ash, sea salt, iodine, medical bandages, ammonia, ground black pepper, bay leaf, pickled ginger, smoked fish motifs, lemon zest, animal hair, white bread crust, a touch of dried mushrooms; the sweet features of hot milk chocolate, almonds, rum baba stand out quite clearly; whisky is also rich in fruit and berry flavors, such as dried apricots, prunes, shadberry, blueberries, blackcurrants, gooseberries, pears, apple hookah tobacco.
    Taste: at first, a slight sweetness from honey, dried apricots and milk chocolate is replaced by sourness of lemon peel, prunes and shadberry, then the total mass becomes oily-creamy (vanilla manifests itself) and all this ends with a powerful smoky "artillery" of black ground pepper, burnt on coals meat, peat, earth, hazelnuts, walnut partitions; the background is ink and sea salt.
    Finish: medium, warming; pepper, prunes.
    Bottom line: This whisky does not have the intense smoke of Ardbeg, the medicinal abundance of Laphroaig or the rich pepperiness of Talisker, it lacks a little "fatness", body, but Bowmore takes it differently - the beauty and harmony of its spirits, so even in the younger release this classy berry theme. Also, what is worth emphasizing, it costs quite sane money, is available and is often found in stocks.

  59. Martin1965 scored this whisky 87 points Expert Senior

    • Nose
      Smoke, sherry, light citrus notes, apricot
    • Taste
      Smoke, dark chocolate, spicy, oak, salty
    • Finish
      Medium length with smoke and cocoa

      Everything perfectly coordinated

  60. PEATYBOI scored this whisky 78 points Expert Junior

    Old Bowmores are a thing of joy. Let's see how this matches up.

    On the nose, light peat, dried fruits and Pu'er tea can be detected. A little bit of sulphur can also be found...I wonder where that is coming from...

    On the palate, creamy vanilla and some dead peat. For some reason I keep smelling sulphuric notes such as rubber, specifically burnt tires. Some sherry sweetness as well???? I am very confused at this point, and the rubber in this is lingering and off-putting.

    On the finish, the rubber is intensified. Fortunately, the finish is short.

    As someone who adored the older bottlings from Bowmore, I have to say this is extremely disappointing. This bottle is a product without any character, its soul stripped by commercial incentives to impress the mass market. As such, it explains why this is such a simplistic and 'smooth' (whatever that is) dram.

    And no, I could not bring myself to finish my glass.

  61. davidloosli scored this whisky 80 points Expert Senior

    • Nose
      A hint of smoke, sweet fruitiness, vanilla, sweet mint tea
    • Taste
      Smoke, peat, unfortunately a bit watery, apple, sour plum, orange, pepper
    • Finish
      Black tea, ash, dextrose, rather short and light

  62. Whisky-Fancier scored this whisky 86 points Expert Senior

    For the price with the subtle smoke note really a good thing!
    • Nose
      87 87
      sweet, pear, subtle smoke, grapes, light wood, mango, caramel, vanilla
    • Taste
      87 87
      creamy, sweet, camp fire smoke, very well integrated, slight oak notes, at the end prickling, munndfüllend, soft
    • Finish
      84 84
      medium in mouth, sweet, oak and smoke become stronger, ashtray

  63. face scored this whisky 73 points Expert Senior

    • Nose
      78 78
    • Taste
      72 72
    • Finish
      69 69

  64. Slàinte Mhath scored this whisky 79 points Super Administrator

    Of all Islay distilleries, Bowmore is the oldest but arguably the most uninteresting. Their 12-year-old expression is intensely colored (E150a) and less peated than other Islay Single Malts. The nose is distinctly earthy with fresh vegetables, citrus fruits and an occasional alcoholic burn. A warming glow accompanies the arrival, while the peatiness is more restrained and yet somewhat unique. Sweet spices, dried fruits and herbal notes lead to a rather dry finish with hints of bitter chocolate. This whisky might be worth a try but it lacks intrinsic quality.

    RATING: 3.0/5.0 stars ≙ 79 pts → AVERAGE
    • Nose
      79 79
    • Taste
      80 80
    • Finish
      78 78

  65. Thermidor scored this whisky 80 points Connoisseur

    The nose, palate and finish are all like a little brother to the current 15yo: there are all the same markers, but the whole isn't as sherried, and hence is missing some of the leathery and sweet notes of the 15, and there's only a trace of the 15's dominant dark chocolate note here. The bottling strength seems plain wrong. At 40 % it's too light and faint on the tongue. I like the taste, but like with the 15yo, the body is too lackluster to merit a higher score.

    Thanks to member Waykid for the sample.

  66. BasH_75 scored this whisky 80 points Member Senior

    • Nose
      81 81
    • Taste
      80 80
    • Finish
      79 79

  67. wbarchive_875995 did not rate this whisky Expert Junior

    Cool, rather delicate, with the aroma of burnt aspen wood chips, apple peel, dried fruits with pepper and black tea, taste with bitterness with nuances of bitterly burnt branches, prunes and tightly brewed tea, medium-long finish, malt-smoky with black pepper.
    Not very interesting, but honest basic malt from Bomor. Although he is only 12, but let him breathe well, the aroma is quite closed.

    RATING: 82pts - [n21, t20, f20, b21] → | 80-82: Ordinary |

  68. dhillworth scored this whisky 85 points Expert Junior

    Not bad for their standard expression, but it lacks depth and originality
    • Nose
      85 85
    • Taste
      85 85
    • Finish
      84 84

  69. Expraesi scored this whisky 83 points Expert Senior

    • Nose
      82 82
      Light smoke, honey sweetness and citrus flavors.
    • Taste
      84 84
      Mild, balance between smoke, spiciness and sweetness.
    • Finish
      84 84
      Medium length: The oak and spicy oak dominate the oak.

  70. whiskyd scored this whisky 76 points Expert Senior

    • Nose
      78 78
    • Taste
      75 75
    • Finish
      75 75

  71. Stanzeflasche scored this whisky 82 points Connoisseur

    The nose is a subtle balance between woody, smoke, peaty and lemon. There is a slight hint of limestone, earth, iodine and guano in the background, but it is mitigated by some white fruits. On the palate, oak, and still a little lemon. The peat is discreet. The finish is a little bitter, we think of olives, a little coarse salt, a hint of caramel. It doesn't take very long in the mouth.
    It's more solid than the Legend, but less peaty, less brutal. It is the tame Legend in a way.

    https://ilikesky2020.blogspot.com/2020/06/bowmore-12-yo.html
    • Nose
      83 83
    • Taste
      82 82
    • Finish
      81 81

  72. KOQ24 scored this whisky 70 points Expert Junior

    A fairly mediocre entry into Islay Whiskies.
    Not particularly good and not terrible.
    • Nose
      70 70
      black pepper, spicy, iodine, smoke, bacon, nutty, caramel, oak
    • Taste
      60 60
      cardboard, oak, sugar cubes, spicy, bitter, butter, licorice, caramel
    • Finish
      80 80
      smooth and short

  73. thugut71 scored this whisky 81 points Member Senior

    • Nose
      81 81
    • Taste
      80 80
    • Finish
      81 81

  74. Tuco1972 scored this whisky 82 points Expert Senior

    • Nose
      83 83
    • Taste
      84 84
    • Finish
      81 81

  75. punchbowl scored this whisky 82 points Member Senior

    • Nose
      82 82
    • Taste
      82 82
    • Finish
      83 83

  76. SilentBeing did not rate this whisky Member Senior

    Very sweet, slightly fragile, and not particularly complex or demanding whisky. Still I find it quite enjoyable when I’m in the mood for something mellow, warming and relaxing.

    Rating: Mostly harmless.
    • Nose
      Gentle, aromatic, slightly mineral peat smoke that dissipates quickly. A flowery, almost perfumery honey note. Some brown sugar. Quite a distinct note of tropical fruits, pineapple, citrus, a hint of banana.
    • Taste
      Quite sweet with vanilla, honey and tropical fruits; peach, pineapple. Only a hint of peat, but what there is melds well with the tropical fruits. Towards the finish a light peppery spiciness and a hint of liquorice.
    • Finish
      Medium long and very fruity sweet with some black pepper and liquorice in the beginning and almost no bitterness at all.

  77. wisekyofcourse scored this whisky 80 points Connoisseur

    salt, dry peat, earthy taste, fruits too indented!
    too watery simply.
    • Nose
      80 80
    • Taste
      78 78
    • Finish
      82 82
      the lack of deg. is felt, just as good as starter Islay.

  78. Marko_I did not rate this whisky Connoisseur

    old: One of my standard OA favorites, if not even DER, for 12 years he feels very grown-up, clear and straightforward, elegant smoke ... delicious and bargain for under € 30. new: There is nothing to add, without direct comparison, I notice there is no change, fluctuation in the range normal Batchunterschiede, I would say.
    • Nose
      Direct comparison version until 2017 (35533) vs. new (95550):
      old: light smoke / ash, cool, flower meadow with fresh citrus notes (lots of lemon, orange, a little bit of grapefruit), I also think of a slight saltiness, with a gentle honey sweetness
      new: initially a little drier, smokey, less fruity in the glass (only the grapefruit note is a bit clearer), but within 5-10 min the differences disappear or I could not name any specific, maybe the new one will be even clearer, cleaner, is a bit more perfect in my description of the old, while in the old I find a very light dirty-organic note
    • Taste
      old: a touch of grapefruit bitterness, violets, dark chocolate, cold smoke, yummy ... if it lingers longer in the mouth, the chocolate becomes more intense and it feels slightly spicy on the tongue new: the mouthfeel is almost the same, creaminess, bitterness - feels the same, just a little bit more sharpness I find in the old one (and that only after sipping x times), also the flavor description fits 1: 1 on the new, overall, the old may seem a shade lighter / thinner, while the new dark chocolate & smoke are a bit more intense (but really minimal, only noticeable in direct comparison)
    • Finish
      both: medium-long, dry, dark chocolate, some salt and pepper, old: a bit chocolatier, new: a bit more peppery

  79. Lorion scored this whisky 70 points Connoisseur

    Somewhat smoky, but otherwise quite mild whisky. For the price okay, if you once as a beginner in the world of smoke would like to know. But that's not all. 70th

  80. LiquidThoughts scored this whisky 79 points Connoisseur

    For me, the worst 10 / 12er entry-level Islay, has very unpleasant notes like I think and is not as much Islay as you think.
    • Nose
      Very vegetable, courgettes and dry other vegetables, soil, only very slight hints of damp ash, sweet spices, nutmeg, green pepper, a little Wasabi vllt., Dried algae
    • Taste
      Here very similar to the nose, vegetables of all kinds, zucchini, a little paprika, potting soil, damp ash, nutmeg, green pepper, wasabi, dried (somewhat disgusting) algae, of course, also salt, everything a bit thin
    • Finish
      Dry and cold ash, pepper, vegetables, dry-bitter, short to medium

  81. Achany scored this whisky 82 points Connoisseur

    moderate peatiness with a citrus sweet note of some vanilla. hints of salt and oak. some spices. very drinkable, nice entry to more peated stuff. all right dram
    • Nose
      81 81
    • Taste
      83 83
    • Finish
      80 80

  82. malthead-1984 scored this whisky 82 points Expert Senior

    • Nose
      82 82
    • Taste
      80 80
    • Finish
      84 84

  83. Calmar scored this whisky 84 points Connoisseur

    In general, a good example of an initial level peat whisky is poor, but decent, high-quality and balanced. Given the low price - an excellent option for both acquaintance with the Ayla for beginners, and as a duty call for every day. In comparison with the basic tens of Lafrouge and Ardbeg, of course, it looks like a poor relative; besides, it should be noted that the Molt was tested for about a year in an open bottle and this had a positive effect on taste, with the first samples everything was much sharper and coarser
    • Nose
      Rich smoky colors, smoky wood, new skin - generally warm and thick, non-spirituous.
    • Taste
      Sweet-smoky with apparent pepper.
    • Finish
      Warm, peppery, turning into bitter-sweet with taste of lemon peel and coal.

  84. RR60 scored this whisky 81 points Expert Junior

    • Nose
      81 81
    • Taste
      81 81
    • Finish
      81 81

  85. berarith73 scored this whisky 81 points Expert Senior

    • Nose
      82 82
    • Taste
      81 81
    • Finish
      80 80

  86. Max Power scored this whisky 82 points Expert Junior

    • Nose
      80 80
    • Taste
      85 85
    • Finish
      83 83

  87. Witte1969 scored this whisky 75 points Member Senior

    • Nose
      79 79
    • Taste
      75 75
    • Finish
      76 76

  88. Cubey666 scored this whisky 82 points Connoisseur

    • Nose
      83 83
    • Taste
      81 81
    • Finish
      82 82

  89. spigray scored this whisky 84 points Connoisseur

    • Nose
      87 87
    • Taste
      85 85
    • Finish
      83 83

  90. spigray scored this whisky 84 points Connoisseur

    40% ! a real shame to spoil good stuff that way.
    84/100
    • Nose
      going to taste this right after having tasted lp10:
      totally different world, though only about 15 miles apart.
      porridgy, pencil shavings, mild smoke, tropical fruits. ok, the pencil shavings almost disappear after a while but it remains a bit youngish and, well, how can I say it, flat. sorry!
      otherwise I like the maracujas very much!
    • Taste
      whereas the tenner lp works at 40% this one doesn´t. I find it really weak and watery, though the flavours are quite ok and it´s also well - balanced. maracujas plus guavas this time.
      please bottle your baby at a higher strength, you good people at bowmore distillery. the faint - hearted still could dilute it then.
    • Finish
      a bit short but pleasant

  91. Sander scored this whisky 81 points Member Junior

    • Nose
      83 83
    • Taste
      84 84
    • Finish
      78 78

  92. Whiskywobbler scored this whisky 65 points Expert Senior

    I am not that enthusiastic about this one, and I can see why one of my first impression of whisky was that of drinking liquified wood. 
    • Nose
      68 68
    • Taste
      63 63
    • Finish
      62 62

  93. Oloroso-Butt did not rate this whisky Expert Senior

    • Nose
      79 79
    • Taste
      78 78
    • Finish
      73 73

  94. emptycask scored this whisky 80 points Expert Junior

    Nose:

    Medicinal at first, Citrus / Oranges, peat smoke, fennel, anise, vanilla and some ash.

    Taste:

    For me again the medicinal note comes first, after that its sugar sweet, with peat smoke, salmiak and licorice, in the development the citrus note comes back and there also is a little mint note.

    Finish:

    Not very long, and brings nothing new.

    All in all, better than expected. 
    • Nose
      81 81
    • Taste
      82 82
    • Finish
      76 76

  95. malthead-1984 scored this whisky 82 points Expert Senior

    Aroma: light, very delicate smoke, fruity

    Taste: sweet on the tongue then takes caramel up to the smoke flavors

    Finish: long and powerful aromas of smoke

  96. The_Sam scored this whisky 83 points Member Senior

    • Nose
      85 85
    • Taste
      85 85
    • Finish
      81 81

  97. chlinatele scored this whisky 83 points Expert Senior

    Not my Bowmore ....
    • Nose
      light smoke, sweetness
    • Taste
      Vanilla, Eiche, Lake
    • Finish
      Sea, but smoke rather boring

  98. Dre73 scored this whisky 81 points Connoisseur

    • Nose
      82 82
    • Taste
      80 80
    • Finish
      82 82

  99. Dre73 scored this whisky 81 points Connoisseur

    Nice whisky, nothing more and nothing less. Mix between light peat, salty influences and sweet / fruity. A somewhat higher Abv had already done a lot. For the price quite okay, although there are really many better bottles in that price segment.
    • Nose
      Salt, peat, fish, tobacco, citrus, vanilla, some caramel.
    • Taste
      Light peat, sea salt, vanilla, caramel, citrus. Some thin and watery mouthfeel.
    • Finish
      Mid-length. Slightly peppery now, slightly peat, peach, spicy.

  100. Rick78 did not rate this whisky Expert Senior

    • Nose
      84 84
    • Taste
      76 76
    • Finish
      73 73

  101. chlinatele scored this whisky 83 points Expert Senior

    Not bad for a Bowmore standard
    • Nose
      light smoke, vanilla, sweetness
    • Taste
      Smoke, vanilla, sweetness and oak possibly a bit of sea breeze (salt)
    • Finish
      Short rather boring compared to the nose.

  102. AdelphosHume scored this whisky 82 points Expert Senior

    On the nose, after a fourth of the way through the bottle, the medicinal peat and moss changes to wood charcoal smoke and earthy floral, the mentholated lemon to licorice, and the cinnamon/nutmeg disappears. I found that after too long in the glass (over an hour) it becomes powerfully bitter-sweet floral on the taste. It's an interesting malt. Maybe not the best peated whisky I've ever tried, but worth giving a session to. 
    • Nose
      medicinal
      peat and moss, yeasty dough,
      dark oranges and lemon zest , wax and mentholated lemon , smoked
      sea-salted caramel,  bitter floral honey,
      lavender oil and rose water, and cinnamon/nutmeg.
    • Taste
      medicinal peat and sea salt, lemon zest/ginger, charred
      vanilla, hint of honeydew and orange oil, hint of smoked honey, malt sweet floral and licorice 
    • Finish
      wood charcoal smoke and a bit of sandalwood, grassy cocoa, earthy vegetative and  waxy notes

  103. Andytka3 scored this whisky 78 points Connoisseur

    Nose:-
    Deep red chili spiciness with ashy smoke at the distant which faded
    away after awhile. Rubbery and palm's farm. Cooked roasted barley and
    touch of cola. Splash of water to find the stoney mineral note and
    blotting paper. Light on aroma as a whole and house style of Bowmore. Palate:- Compote of sweet and sour fruits, hazelnut oiliness and cold
    wood smokes, present of peat is not overwhelming but is lingering
    there.Trace of light antiseptic and herby. Water drawn out sweet
    vanilla.

    Finish:- Lips twitching and syrupy sweet. Spicy and echoing. Simplicity.

    — at The Whisky Bar, Kuala Lumpur.
    • Nose
      86 86
    • Taste
      86 86
    • Finish
      85 85

  104. uap304 scored this whisky 78 points Expert Senior

    The type of scotch that you really don't want to swallow.
    • Nose
      Soap, light flowery peat, malt.
    • Taste
      Wood, sweet, cloying. Thin and watered-down.
    • Finish
      A flash of peat, then bitter, stomach acid.

  105. moab21 scored this whisky 75 points Expert Senior

    Unfortunately not quite my case. The Bowmore Darkest is much better.

  106. wisekyofcourse scored this whisky 80 points Connoisseur

    simple, effective, too flat, not enough of this thing that would make it stand out!
    • Nose
      peat, then yellow fruits (between lemon and orange), and a strong taste of salt
    • Taste
      peat, then smoke back, same fruits, no more
    • Finish
      medium, with a rather monolithic peat relan

  107. fgg scored this whisky 88 points Expert Senior

    This is one of my favorites. I like the smell, the taste ánd the price.

    90/100
    • Nose
      A light smoke, an earthy tone underneath, some tropical fruit
    • Taste
      The smoke moves to the background but doesn't disappear. The earth and fruit move to the front.
    • Finish
      A medium long finish. The smoke is back, hovering above the earth.

  108. Waykid scored this whisky 83 points Expert Senior

    This and a Talisker 12 were the ones that actually sent me to the malt-journey. Certainly mild and tender, really light on the smoke and palate for an Islayer but a really good one to start with.

  109. Patrick93 scored this whisky 80 points Expert Senior

    • Nose
      84 84
    • Taste
      79 79
    • Finish
      79 79

  110. steinrich scored this whisky 84 points Expert Senior

    • Nose
      87 87
    • Taste
      83 83
    • Finish
      82 82

  111. Laga93 scored this whisky 82 points Expert Senior

    • Nose
      83 83
    • Taste
      84 84
    • Finish
      83 83

  112. d1scostu scored this whisky 81 points Connoisseur

    • Nose
      85 85
    • Taste
      81 81
    • Finish
      80 80

  113. Laugenbretzel scored this whisky 82 points Expert Senior

    • Nose
      83 83
    • Taste
      82 82
    • Finish
      83 83

  114. boy_genius_ck scored this whisky 79 points Connoisseur

    • Nose
      82 82
    • Taste
      77 77
    • Finish
      79 79

  115. boy_genius_ck scored this whisky 79 points Connoisseur

    price used to be EUR50, had to wait 2
    years for a clearance sale and got it for EUR39

    disappointing overall, too watered down,
    I expected more from the price and pedigree, should have an ABV of 46% at least
    • Nose
      weak peat, jura earth, tea leaves, floral, dried fruits
    • Taste
      somewhat salty sherry, flat,
      medium spicy, dried fruits and nuts, wet cardboard
    • Finish
      a bit spicy, maritime notes, grassy
      sweetness, weak smoke, roasted wood/nuts at the back, slight tea bitterness

  116. pianoman scored this whisky 71 points Connoisseur

    • Nose
      Phenolic. Horse stable, citrus fruits with thyme. Metallic.
    • Taste
      Thin. Citrus fruits and light smoke. Some soapsuds.

  117. xFabe did not rate this whisky Member Senior

    A delicious Islay standard, which does not go wrong but also offers no surprises. Still delicious and AS !!
    • Nose
      fruity smoke, sour orange, lemon grass, the smoke goes back very quickly and makes room for a pleasant maritime touch
    • Taste
      sweet, slightly oily, generally very light, smoke is present but retains, almost too round
    • Finish
      Smoke combines with sweetness and light oak, the power is gone, but sea and sweetness can still hold in your mouth

  118. wbarchive_104650 did not rate this whisky Expert Senior

    solid beginner in the Bowmore world. Not overwhelmed. Why is there color in it?!?
    • Nose
      Lemons and apricots; with a slightly maritime, salty aroma; subtle, medicinal smoke, a beautiful sweetness with very slight influence of chocolate and raisins; Vanilla;
    • Taste
      slightly creamy; initially slight bitterness; then it gets sweet again with vanilla and chocolate; slightly smoky
    • Finish
      short; slightly spicy oak; slightly medical smoke; on the palate remains a tart / sweet touch

  119. MadScientist scored this whisky 81 points Connoisseur

    • Nose
      85 85
    • Taste
      80 80
    • Finish
      81 81

  120. Rozenbankje scored this whisky 80 points Expert Senior

    • Nose
      80 80
    • Taste
      80 80
    • Finish
      78 78

  121. WhiskyLovingPianist scored this whisky 82 points Connoisseur

    N: Urm, a mixed bag
    T: Chewy, waxy, malty
    F: … thats ok.
    C: Works better overall compared to the disappointing 15yo, but 40% - when it really needs the boost.

    Scores a C [82]

  122. thanasist scored this whisky 77 points Expert Senior

    In my opinion much inferior from Laphroaig 10 in the same category and price range 

  123. Rubengrob scored this whisky 75 points Member Junior

    • Nose
      77 77
    • Taste
      72 72
    • Finish
      73 73

  124. jankes scored this whisky 79 points Expert Senior

    • Nose
      80 80
    • Taste
      80 80
    • Finish
      79 79

  125. domani scored this whisky 84 points Expert Senior

    Balanced and not intrusive. Delivers all the important components of a peaty beginner's whisky. Pleasant smoky notes, citrus and sweetness. A good start to dive into the world of Islay - 07.12.2013
    • Nose
      Smoke, sherry, citrus, slightly sweet, honey
    • Taste
      Subtle smoke, sweet, light spiciness and oak
    • Finish
      medium

  126. mer1973 scored this whisky 81 points Connoisseur

    • Nose
      79 79
    • Taste
      82 82
    • Finish
      80 80

  127. flecki scored this whisky 75 points Newbie

    02/2016
    • Nose
      Mild, Räucherfisch, gemähtes Heu
    • Taste
      Bitterschokolade, Haselnuss, sanfter Rauch, leichte Süße
    • Finish
      Eher kurz, Kakao

  128. pilgrim77 scored this whisky 83 points Expert Senior

    Soft peat on the nose, with hints of sherry (dark, stewed fruits and hazelnuts), vanilla and some damp dunnage warehouses keeping it interesting. A slight 'off' note of wet cardboard disappeared after a few minutes in the glass, to be replaced with salty sea air. Couldn't take any water without being flattened completely. Very similar profile on the palate, with the addition of some roast coffee beans and chilli. Relatively short and thin finish though, again, I guess, resulting from the low bottling strength. Very pleasant and enjoyable, especially at the low price this can be purchased for when on offer in local supermarkets.

  129. AH Whiskyvitrine scored this whisky 82 points Connoisseur

    • Nose
      81 81
    • Taste
      80 80
    • Finish
      82 82

  130. vb_bembel scored this whisky 82 points Expert Senior

    • Nose
      81 81
    • Taste
      81 81
    • Finish
      81 81

  131. Dalm did not rate this whisky Expert Senior

    Aroma: mild smoke, sweet, citrus, slightly maritime, vanilla
    Taste: citrus, caramel, smoky, maritime tingle
    Finish: long, warming, dark chocolate, smoke, slightly bitter, spicy, tricky oak, maritime smoke remains

  132. Mr.Edradour scored this whisky 81 points Connoisseur

    Good, cheap, standard whisky, if you like peated ones.

  133. Mr.Edradour scored this whisky 81 points Connoisseur

    • Nose
      82 82
    • Taste
      82 82
    • Finish
      80 80

  134. jhut scored this whisky 85 points Expert Junior

    Cafe de Toeter in Groningen, 07-09-2015
    • Nose
      Very vegetable. I hardly smell peat. Actually nice, something medicinal
    • Taste
      salty, sugar. Hint of peat
    • Finish
      Clear peat taste present, but very well balanced.

  135. Opeth83 scored this whisky 80 points Expert Senior

    N: Peat, smoke, vanilla, abricots, pears

    T: Lighter peat, vanilla, caramel, little banana, raisins

    B: Pretty thick for a 40% whisky, not that bad

    F: Short, smoky, vanilla, toffee

    Very nice profile, of course not complex or full bodied, but nice entry malt / intro to Bowmore distillery. 
    • Nose
      85 85
    • Taste
      80 80
    • Finish
      75 75

  136. Bosi scored this whisky 70 points Specialist

    An average Islay Whsiky lacking the complexity, eg of a Lagavulin.
    • Nose
      As expected from an Islay whisky, the Bowmore is peaty and smoky, but less so than a Laphroig. In addition, I can detect a trail heather.
    • Taste
      Peaty combined with slight sharpness and a smokiness reminiscent of matches.
    • Finish
      Medium long, fairly balanced.

  137. Betsie scored this whisky 77 points Member Senior

    • Nose
      77 77
    • Taste
      76 76
    • Finish
      76 76

  138. malthead-sven scored this whisky 80 points Expert Senior

    One of my favorite everyday whiskys. Still did not recognize it and estimated it unexpectedly high. For me one of the best OAs in his age and price range.
    • Nose
      Blind tasting! smoky, salty ham, sweet behind it, leather, then dark, dried fruits come to it, maybe figs, later again much fruity
    • Taste
      again smoky, woody, great spiciness, not too strong, the alcohol is super integrated, liquorice
    • Finish
      medium long, unexpectedly sweet and fruity, supple, light smoke

  139. Goethe scored this whisky 83 points Connoisseur

    A fruity and smokey introduction to the world of bowmore whiskys. Not much into the sherry as expected. In the end there is some artificial touch to the taste.

    Concerning price/performance ratio: 8/10 
    • Nose
      Smoke (dry and gentle), fruits, aprikot, oranges, vanilla, caramel, apples.
    • Taste
      Smoke, oranges, lemon, a bit salty.
    • Finish
      Short. A few drops of honey and caramel on a wood stick.

  140. NickDr scored this whisky 83 points Member Senior

    • Nose
      83 83
    • Taste
      85 85
    • Finish
      81 81

  141. MaltyMillionaire scored this whisky 69 points Expert Senior

    A better showing than I remember, but not great. 
    • Nose
      Soft peat, red fruit, vegetal, bread.
    • Taste
      Soft peat again, with watery honey and vegetal spice. Somewhat thin.
    • Finish
      The spices subside but then crescendo in the finish. Something vaguely honeyish and bready, The finish is long, warming, and quite pleasant.

  142. Skiddilly scored this whisky 73 points Expert Senior

    Suitable introduction to more peat and smoke
    • Nose
      A layer of smoke with flowers, apple and orange underneath.
    • Taste
      Little bit of smoke and peat, honey and oranges, sea salt.
    • Finish
      Very sweet, dry followed by peat and smoke.

  143. Peter87 scored this whisky 79 points Expert Senior

    • Nose
      80 80
    • Taste
      77 77
    • Finish
      79 79

  144. JohannesB scored this whisky 84 points Expert Senior

    A not uninteresting entry into the world of Bowmore. Remains the smoke in the nose is still very reserved in the taste and finish but then a moderate smokiness and beautiful fruit flavors. Recommended for beginners in the smoky world.
    • Nose
      Stale seawater, mango, apricot and lemons. Tender smoke is also present. Dry and slightly medicated, it comes therefore. The fruits mix with it and remind of a fruity cough syrup. Behind it lies a little vanilla and caramel.
    • Taste
      Fresh and young with oranges, lemons and now slightly stronger smoke. Neat salt and stale water occupy the tongue and cheeks.
    • Finish
      Relatively short and with a few bitternoten the oak sounds of the Bowmore. Honey, vanilla and caramel once again do the honors.

  145. squaadgras scored this whisky 82 points Connoisseur

    • Nose
      83 83
    • Taste
      83 83
    • Finish
      81 81

  146. Helgo scored this whisky 83 points Connoisseur

    • Nose
      82 82
    • Taste
      84 84
    • Finish
      80 80

  147. afrb scored this whisky 79 points Expert Senior

    Very Tasty and Easy Drinking
    • Nose
      77 77
    • Taste
      77 77
    • Finish
      80 80

  148. Ties scored this whisky 82 points Expert Junior

    • Nose
      82 82
    • Taste
      80 80
    • Finish
      80 80

  149. Archer scored this whisky 86 points Connoisseur

    • Nose
      87 87
    • Taste
      85 85
    • Finish
      85 85

  150. Patrick93 scored this whisky 80 points Expert Senior

    • Nose
      81 81
    • Taste
      79 79
    • Finish
      78 78

  151. Laga93 scored this whisky 82 points Expert Senior

    • Nose
      82 82
    • Taste
      81 81
    • Finish
      79 79

  152. Ciro scored this whisky 81 points Connoisseur

    • Nose
      82 82
    • Taste
      81 81
    • Finish
      81 81

  153. p4blo scored this whisky 77 points Expert Senior

    Entry level Bowmore, nothing special.
    • Nose
      A layer of bonfire smoke covers some sweetness with sugar, apples and marzipan.
    • Taste
      Mild, flat and watered down. Delicate sweetness with sugar cane, salt and a bit of grass.
    • Finish
      Short with peat smoke and a tiny hint of sweetness. Quite drying.

  154. ApricotOne scored this whisky 82 points Expert Senior

    • Nose
      82 82
    • Taste
      82 82
    • Finish
      83 83

  155. Rom did not rate this whisky Expert Junior

    Nose peat, smoke, salt. The mouth confirms the nose. Simple but effective.

  156. Pdh scored this whisky 83 points Member Senior

    N smoke and apricot.
    T Smoke and ashes
    F Long balanced smoke.
    Feels more mature than the label 12y. Reminds me of the excellent Bowmore 25Y but lacks the elegance and explosion
    • Nose
      82 82
    • Taste
      83 83
    • Finish
      87 87

  157. dirkmemphis scored this whisky 82 points Photo Moderator

    • Nose
      81 81
    • Taste
      82 82
    • Finish
      82 82

  158. NamorX68 scored this whisky 83 points Expert Junior

    • Nose
      82 82
    • Taste
      82 82
    • Finish
      82 82

  159. irrerelevant scored this whisky 83 points Expert Senior

    light smoke, a little sherry, fruity sweetness, pleasant vinous mouthfeel, dries off easily

  160. JacobaEd scored this whisky 83 points Connoisseur

    • Nose
      84 84
    • Taste
      83 83
    • Finish
      79 79

  161. Gloin scored this whisky 81 points Expert Senior

    • Nose
      Almost no fruit, sweet, medium smoke, well integrated, some vanilla
    • Taste
      Soft and sweet with a hint of vanilla and a hint of lemon
    • Finish
      Dryness and sweetness alternating, distinct bitterness, medium length

  162. Guntis scored this whisky 80 points Expert Junior

    • Nose
      80 80
    • Taste
      82 82
    • Finish
      78 78

  163. hartist scored this whisky 83 points Expert Senior

    A beautiful gateway to the malts of Islay.
    • Nose
      Peaty peat, exotic fruits, marmalade of oranges.
    • Taste
      A little weak but very tasty, on smoke, exotic fruits and orange.
    • Finish
      A little short but nice.

  164. dave3 scored this whisky 86 points Expert Senior

    • Nose
      86 86
    • Taste
      87 87
    • Finish
      88 88

  165. notesofmalt scored this whisky 77 points Expert Senior

    Bowmore 12 years, original bottling, 40% alc.
    Expansion: ex-bourbon and ex-sherry casks
    Region: Islay, Scotland

    Nose: the smoke rises towards the nose, but not too strong. Paired with fragrances of mangos and citrus fruits. Looks fresh and young, the smoke is dry and salty, associations with the wild Islay coast come to my mind. ...

    Palate: Oranges and lemons, with vanilla. Very fresh, a little caramel. Light smoky notes and neat salt without acting dry.

    Finish: medium length with bitter notes, some blood orange. The peat smoke lingers at the back.

    Conclusion: Citrus fruits and smoke are not mine in the mating. Basic single malt with good value for money.

    77/100 points (tasted 2013, ca. 30,00 €) Posted on my Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/notesofwhisky

  166. ASWhisky scored this whisky 84 points Connoisseur

    The 12y Bowmore is a nice mainstream whisky with fruit and chocolate on the finish and some smoke and delicate peat note ... nice and pleasant I would drink anytime but would not choose an always welcomed dram
    • Nose
      Sea water, oranges, seasoning and tangerine, some cardamom and soap
    • Taste
      Chocolate, sugary yellow fruit, some smoke, a lot of yellow fruit towards apricot, slightly bitter
    • Finish
      medium
      yellow fruit now more like plum, a lot of chocolate
      enjoyable

  167. Hare&Copper scored this whisky 83 points Expert Senior

    Nice balance on nose and taste between light tropical fruits and peat smoke. However, pretty thin/weak body and finish. Decent value.
    • Nose
      86 86
    • Taste
      84 84
    • Finish
      81 81

  168. smaeksle did not rate this whisky Expert Senior

    Everything was better before.
    • Nose
      Significantly more smoke. Behind it apple and citrus and the alcohol is more present.
    • Taste
      Malty but shallow. A slight tingling sensation on the tongue. Oak completes.
    • Finish
      Almost absent

  169. TastyDram did not rate this whisky Expert Junior

    This 12 year old Bowmore is a pleasant introduction to peaty whiskies. The peat is nicely balanced by the other flavours to make it accessible for newbie peatheads.
    Doesn't even cost € 35 and is available in most supermarkets and liquor stores.
    • Nose
      At first there's honey, lemon and (off course) peat smoke. Then a flowery scent with some eucalyptus. I'm also discovering, very distant but it's there, after eight biscuits with chocolate and mint.
      Water enhances the flowers and honey. There's a development of lavender and heather. And some slumbering marzipan.
    • Taste
      On the tongue there are oranges and again honey. Also some vanilla and freshly picked mint. Very subtle and soft maritime hints of coarse sea salt.
    • Finish
      Soft and sweet peat smoke warms the mouth.

  170. Kaltduscher scored this whisky 83 points Expert Senior

    A very complex whisky. Great price / performance ratio.
    • Nose
      Smoked salmon in sherry barrel. Honey, lemons and apples.
    • Taste
      Smoky. Sweet by honey. Nutty nuances.
    • Finish
      The smoked salmon is accompanied by fruity notes, an interesting interplay between fruit and smoke. Nut chocolate appears in a long and dry finish.

  171. Wolv scored this whisky 84 points Expert Senior

    • Nose
      85 85
    • Taste
      84 84
    • Finish
      84 84

  172. FineSpirits_butler1 scored this whisky 82 points Expert Senior

    Good quality for price.

    Smokey Islay Whisky with some Sherry cask influence which results in little darker sweetness and a more oaky aftertaste.

    Smoke is not that dominant, but present.

    Its also colored. 
    • Nose
      84 84
    • Taste
      81 81
    • Finish
      82 82

  173. FineSpirits_butler1 scored this whisky 82 points Expert Senior

    Would be better with at least 43%.

    But I'm surprised how this Whisky developed over time.

    The last dram I really enjoyed.

    Good quality for this price.
    • Nose
      apple (green), immature banana, smoke, some lye, caramel, milk chocolate, milked coffee, cherry, orange peel (getting more), honey.

      Develops nicely in the glass.

      After a some drams and a couple of months, this spirits deepens and offers more roundness. Still not very strong.
    • Taste
      some smoke, slightly watery, little peat, sweetness, cherry, citrus, hints of oak, develops quite late.
    • Finish
      pleasant, but not very long; full at the beginning with some cocoa, then noble tart chocolate, peat, oak cask with little spices, orange peel, lemon, fish fingers (?)

  174. Brett scored this whisky 86 points Member Junior

    Nose: Smoke, Citrus

    Body: Oily, Rich, viscous

    Palate: Smoke, citrus, honey

    On the nose, The Bowmore was rather smoky. This smoke was present on the palate as well, but the dram was lifted unexpectedly by delicate fingers of honey sweetness and a puff of citrus which existed almost more in the nose than in the mouth. And the finish added a tiny hint of bitterness, almost beneath the threshold of conscious notice, which pulled all that unexpected honey and citrus back into balance.

    The Bowmore 12 was brooding, but it brooded with a glint in its eye. It did not brood without hope. For that reason, I liked it.

  175. HunterRomario scored this whisky 83 points Expert Senior

    • Nose
      Honey-like peat care, with a little bit more traditional gentle eagerness, I also feel spice. It is sweetish, a bit peppery and iodine. (83 b)
    • Taste
      The smoothed, not brutal, peat, which is drying up in the flavor, smoke, tar, ash and iodine. I also feel some dullness in the old furniture in the museum or in the church. (83 b)

  176. Gatopardo did not rate this whisky Expert Senior

    I had serious problems to notice difference betwenn this one and Old Pulteney 12. Maybe this is less salty and more creamy but the "core" is the same 

  177. Whiskyforfreedom scored this whisky 78 points Member Senior

    • Nose
      90 90
    • Taste
      90 90
    • Finish
      85 85

  178. Whiskyforfreedom scored this whisky 78 points Member Senior

    • Nose
      Very smoky, typical Islay.
    • Taste
      Also smoky, dry. The smoke is in the foreground.
    • Finish
      Long finish, this whisky can be traced for a long time.

  179. Aidan C did not rate this whisky Member Junior

    my girlfriend hates this.
    • Nose
      peat, grass, school desk 
    • Taste
      First Taste: wood polish

      Main Taste: Smoky bog
    • Finish
      long, smoky, nutmeg

  180. drkrylov scored this whisky 82 points Connoisseur

    • Nose
      80 80
    • Taste
      85 85
    • Finish
      80 80

  181. drkrylov scored this whisky 82 points Connoisseur

    Great balance between dry smoke and soft fruits.
    • Nose
      Lemon, honey. Peaty. Soft smokiness.
    • Taste
      Smoky and citric with cocoa notes. Some seaweed. Some sherry.
    • Finish
      Long, chocolate and sweet peat.

  182. Stazz scored this whisky 66 points Member Senior

    Islay is not my type, and this one is not the best of it.

    Waterly, E added, islay... 
    • Nose
      62 62
    • Taste
      62 62
    • Finish
      63 63

  183. Edwin de Lange scored this whisky 91 points Expert Senior

    The elegant and subtle Islay whisky.

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