Bowmore 12yo has a place in many hearts as Islay’s ‘medium-peated’ malt. A pronounced iodine character with plenty of pepper, the current 12yo bottling is a welcome return to the classic Bowmores of the 1960s and ’70s, with the emphasis on tropical fruit and smoke. A deserved runner-up in our Whisky of the Year 2014-15 blind tasting.

Region: Islay

Aroma:
Appetising combo of smoke and caramelised pineapple with a heady hit of tropical fruit.

Flavours:
Some lovely smokiness, but the fruity elements really sing here: pineapple, peach and mango all dancing with the smoke that surrounds them.

Character:
Rather soft and relaxing, with the smoke gently fading