Bowmore 12 Year Old

This was the first Islay whisky that I tried. I enjoyed it quite a bit, so I decided to buy a bottle. The color is golden, due to the added E150. Sure looks nice, but I prefer whisky without the E150, it just feels better and more "natural". The legs are nice and pretty slow.

On the nose I first find the obvious, peat and smoke. Letting the whisky open up in the glass for a couple of minutes, brings out a nice sweetness. I get vanilla and toffee. I also get a hint of ocean water. Very nice.

Sipping the whisky, I get mainly smoke, peat and a hint of licorice. Some sweetness can also be found, although not as obvious as it is on the nose. The finish is medium long, with some sweetness and smoke.

Overall I enjoy this whisky, although there are better choices from Islay. This one certainly is a good way to start though, as the Lagavulin or Ardbeg might be to much of a challenge for the whisky drinker who's used to lighter whiskies. A good dram and very affordable!

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