Tried Bowmore 12 and Bowmore 18. Not surprisingly 18 is more complex and interesting, but 12 is quality whisky as well. Compared to other Islay's they really go for smoothness and balance.
Sadly while this is a commonly discounted malt in the UK, it’s priced rather high in the US where I am so I never buy it. Why pay 16 year prices for a 12 year? I reach for the brands that are better value near me
Good congratulations x the Review's guys are the Lio Messi of the Review's. Ask, I'm about to buy a Bowmore 10 or a 12, which do you recommend? and the other query between the Bowmore 10 and the HP or the Bowmore 12 and the HP 12 with which two whiskeys do you prefer, greetings from Argentina
Very different flavours but both is a good buy, HP12 is more sherried and has Orkney heather smoke in it, while Bowmore is a mix of bourbon and sherry and has more Islay peat smoke. Both is mild and gentle whisky’s with some smoke.
Great review guys! Tried Bowmore 12 for the first time yesterday. It is as you describe, balanced, with intense smoke that does not overwhelm the other flavors. And it is very flavorful! Also very smooth, without any intense alcohol burn. It's now my favorite scotch.
Bowmore has proven to be my very best distillery. So far the 18 years is my favorite one, after tasting it, the 15 and the Vault release 2nd Edition (peat smoke). Just ordered a Vintner's Trilogy 2nd release 26 years. Costly but I expect it to be great. Always fun to watch your video, guys!
One of the smoothest Islay Scotches Ive tasted, almost zero alcohol taste. Strong but not overpowering smoke taste. Very strong dark chocolate taste, like a 90% cacao chocolate taste
My favorite bowmore’s are from independent bottelers, the official are for the massmarket (like Horst) said and are chilfiltered and contains an enormous amount of E150
Bowmore OB does contain some e150, that's true but also the casks influence the colour. Chill filtration is more difference. The e150 is because people react between batches if the colour is changed. Just look at Aberlour A bunadh or Laphroaig tree wood and the havoc on media everytime the colour vary.
@@Dankzzz the colour changes between batches makes it more interesting, like what influence the cask had on the whisky, i prefer an intergrity and honest whisky, not one that is artificial coloured.
@@MarcelB74 But I dont know why people are dissing Bowmore for this, many others use E150 to adjust batches. Highland Park, Laphroaig, Talisker etc. I think its only because Ralfy dont like Bowmore. Its alot of destillers I dont like also, some of them have no added colour and nonchill. Nonchill no doubt can affect the Whisky, but Its more important that the Whisky is of good quality. Bowmore 12 is spot on with its perfect balance between smooth and classic peat. Laphroaig and Bowmore is also of the few brands that do malting on theyr own destilllery.
@@MarcelB74 The Thing is the big sellers that is constantly poured out and has no added e150 is dependent on casks to keep the colour consistent.... That may affect the taste negatively...
Analysis is very personal, I'll leave here what my feelings were at Bowmore 12 years. *Oilyness: Medium body, I didn't find it too oily or dense, but it's not thin either, I thought it had a good oiliness! For me, it doesn't need more than that, the oiliness it presents is cool. *Visual: although I use dye, I found the color beautiful!!! *On the nose: almost imperceptible alcohol, the first note I felt was the vegetable/organic of the peat, for me it reminds me a lot of manure (it's enough to be funny, but for those who are familiar with these characteristics of some whiskeys, I don't think it's bad :D) , then came the very faint smokey/smoky smell, and that of wood (oak). I found the scent to be very smooth and balanced. I didn't find it so sweet!!! These days I went to taste it again and the smell of bourbon was very evident (from the ex bourbon barrels), but I am no longer able to find that aroma, I need to concentrate more in the next tastings. With water or ice it enhances the smell of oak (like most whiskeys), the peat vegetable disappears and the smoky/smoked appears a lot more, and it gets a little sweeter.. I didn't find it fruity, but slightly citric. *Palate: Pure, the first note for me was the vegetable/organic of the peat, then a burnt taste (oak roast), even giving the sensation of burnt wood in the mouth, then comes the light smoky/smoked and finally a bitter reminiscent of dark chocolate. With ice or water it is a little simpler, it enhances the oak (like most whiskeys), the peat vegetable disappears and the smoky/smoked appears much more, but it ends with an even stronger sensation of the Oak roast (taste burnt), and finally a slight bitterness. *Summary: Very easy and tasty whiskey to drink neat, it is also very pleasant with ice!!!! I didn't find it sweet, and for those who don't like the peat vegetable, add water or ice, because with it pure the flavor of this vegetable stands out!! It's a very simple whiskey, for me it's not worth the price! I don't know if I would buy again, unless it's a mega sale of stock burning!!!
I think Bowmore Mariner. My neighbor had a bottle on the shelf and I was fortunate enough to sample it. Outstanding! Trying in vain to find a similar creation! The current 15 is wonderful. But not quite a Mariner...
Honestly, after I've seen the last re-review of a Bowmore 12 at Ralfy channel, I never actually was near the idea of actually buying this stuff. But after this, I'm much closer to get myself this bottle, or at least give it a chance at my whisky bar.
Análise é bem pessoal, vou deixar aqui quais foram as minhas sensações no Bowmore 12 anos. *Oleosidade: Médio corpo, não achei muito oleoso ou denso, mas também não é ralo, achei que tem uma boa oleosidade! Pra mim, não precisa mais que isso, está legal a oleosidade que ele apresenta. *Visual: embora use corante achei a cor bonita!!! *No olfato: álcool quase imperceptível, a primeira nota que eu senti foi do vegetal/orgânico da turfa, pra mim lembra muito estrume (chega ser engraçado, mas pra quem está familiarizado com essa características de alguns whisky, não acha ruim :D), depois veio o cheiro de defumado/esfumaçado bem fraco, e o de madeira (carvalho). Achei bem suave e equilibrado o cheiro. Não achei tão doce!!! Esses dias fui degusta-lo novamente e veio bem evidente o cheiro de bourbon (dos barris ex bourbon), porém não estou mais conseguindo encontrar esse aroma, preciso me concentrar mais nas próximas degustações. Com água ou gelo realça o cheiro do carvalho (como a maioria dos whisky), o vegetal da turfa desaparece e o esfumaçado/defumado aparece beeem mais, e fica um pouco mais doce.. Não achei frutado, porém levemente cítrico. *Paladar: Puro, a primeira nota pra mim foi o vegetal/ orgânico da turfa, depois um gosto de queimado (torra do carvalho), dando até a sensação de madeira queimada na boca, depois vem o leve esfumaçado / defumado e por último um amargo que lembra chocolate amargo. Com gelo ou água ele fica um pouco mais simples, realça o carvalho (como a maioria dos whisky), o vegetal da turfa desaparece e o esfumaçado/defumado aparece bem mais, porém finaliza com uma sensação mais forte ainda da torra do Carvalho (gosto de queimado), e por fim um leve amargo. *Resumo: Whisky muito fácil e gostoso de beber puro, é também bem agradável com gelo!!!! Não achei doce, e pra quem não gosta do vegetal da turfa, acrescente água ou gelo, pois com ele puro o sabor desse vegetal sobressai!! É um whisky bem simples, para mim não vale o preço! Não sei se compraria novamente, a não ser numa mega promoção de queima de estoque!!!
It is really a shame that Bowmore has such inadequate presentations of their core range. The 12 should be so much more and would be if they stopped the chill filtration and bottled at 46% (or at least 43% for the 12 and 46% for the 15 and 18). It would probably be my favorite distillery. As it is now, every sip of their core range only presents you with what could be.
I was dismayed when I heard how cheap it was in the UK compared to Canada. It's not a bad drink at all...just too much money here compared to others. I do not recommend to someone brand new to spirits, but definitely to scotch newbies and others still wetting their feet in the whisky world. This stuff goes well blended into other drinks, as well as earl grey tea, coffee. Other smokey thinks. Dribbled over some cakes.
bowmore is often overlooked but in my opinion is one of the best on Islay
Tried Bowmore 12 and Bowmore 18. Not surprisingly 18 is more complex and interesting, but 12 is quality whisky as well. Compared to other Islay's they really go for smoothness and balance.
Dang!! Finally a bit longer video where you are together! Lovely! Cheers lads😎🥃
An entry-level and classy Islay. Happy to be stuck with this on a lighthouse in a storm.
Sadly while this is a commonly discounted malt in the UK, it’s priced rather high in the US where I am so I never buy it. Why pay 16 year prices for a 12 year? I reach for the brands that are better value near me
Good congratulations x the Review's guys are the Lio Messi of the Review's. Ask, I'm about to buy a Bowmore 10 or a 12, which do you recommend? and the other query between the Bowmore 10 and the HP or the Bowmore 12 and the HP 12 with which two whiskeys do you prefer, greetings from Argentina
Very different flavours but both is a good buy, HP12 is more sherried and has Orkney heather smoke in it, while Bowmore is a mix of bourbon and sherry and has more Islay peat smoke. Both is mild and gentle whisky’s with some smoke.
Enjoy the joint reviews, 2 for the price of one, keep them coming guys
I love the 12 but would like to try the 15.
Great review guys! Tried Bowmore 12 for the first time yesterday. It is as you describe, balanced, with intense smoke that does not overwhelm the other flavors. And it is very flavorful! Also very smooth, without any intense alcohol burn. It's now my favorite scotch.
Bowmore has proven to be my very best distillery. So far the 18 years is my favorite one, after tasting it, the 15 and the Vault release 2nd Edition (peat smoke). Just ordered a Vintner's Trilogy 2nd release 26 years. Costly but I expect it to be great. Always fun to watch your video, guys!
One of the smoothest Islay Scotches Ive tasted, almost zero alcohol taste. Strong but not overpowering smoke taste. Very strong dark chocolate taste, like a 90% cacao chocolate taste
My favorite bowmore’s are from independent bottelers, the official are for the massmarket (like Horst) said and are chilfiltered and contains an enormous amount of E150
I love the taste of e150
Bowmore OB does contain some e150, that's true but also the casks influence the colour. Chill filtration is more difference. The e150 is because people react between batches if the colour is changed. Just look at Aberlour A bunadh or Laphroaig tree wood and the havoc on media everytime the colour vary.
@@Dankzzz the colour changes between batches makes it more interesting, like what influence the cask had on the whisky, i prefer an intergrity and honest whisky, not one that is artificial coloured.
@@MarcelB74 But I dont know why people are dissing Bowmore for this, many others use E150 to adjust batches. Highland Park, Laphroaig, Talisker etc. I think its only because Ralfy dont like Bowmore. Its alot of destillers I dont like also, some of them have no added colour and nonchill. Nonchill no doubt can affect the Whisky, but Its more important that the Whisky is of good quality. Bowmore 12 is spot on with its perfect balance between smooth and classic peat.
Laphroaig and Bowmore is also of the few brands that do malting on theyr own destilllery.
@@MarcelB74 The Thing is the big sellers that is constantly poured out and has no added e150 is dependent on casks to keep the colour consistent.... That may affect the taste negatively...
Was my first Islay sill enjoy that funk it has
Analysis is very personal, I'll leave here what my feelings were at Bowmore 12 years.
*Oilyness: Medium body, I didn't find it too oily or dense, but it's not thin either, I thought it had a good oiliness!
For me, it doesn't need more than that, the oiliness it presents is cool.
*Visual: although I use dye, I found the color beautiful!!!
*On the nose: almost imperceptible alcohol, the first note I felt was the vegetable/organic of the peat, for me it reminds me a lot of manure (it's enough to be funny, but for those who are familiar with these characteristics of some whiskeys, I don't think it's bad :D) , then came the very faint smokey/smoky smell, and that of wood (oak). I found the scent to be very smooth and balanced. I didn't find it so sweet!!! These days I went to taste it again and the smell of bourbon was very evident (from the ex bourbon barrels), but I am no longer able to find that aroma, I need to concentrate more in the next tastings.
With water or ice it enhances the smell of oak (like most whiskeys), the peat vegetable disappears and the smoky/smoked appears a lot more, and it gets a little sweeter..
I didn't find it fruity, but slightly citric.
*Palate: Pure, the first note for me was the vegetable/organic of the peat, then a burnt taste (oak roast), even giving the sensation of burnt wood in the mouth, then comes the light smoky/smoked and finally a bitter reminiscent of dark chocolate.
With ice or water it is a little simpler, it enhances the oak (like most whiskeys), the peat vegetable disappears and the smoky/smoked appears much more, but it ends with an even stronger sensation of the Oak roast (taste burnt), and finally a slight bitterness.
*Summary: Very easy and tasty whiskey to drink neat, it is also very pleasant with ice!!!! I didn't find it sweet, and for those who don't like the peat vegetable, add water or ice, because with it pure the flavor of this vegetable stands out!!
It's a very simple whiskey, for me it's not worth the price! I don't know if I would buy again, unless it's a mega sale of stock burning!!!
Nice review, thanks
I think Bowmore Mariner. My neighbor had a bottle on the shelf and I was fortunate enough to sample it. Outstanding! Trying in vain to find a similar creation! The current 15 is wonderful. But not quite a Mariner...
Cheers
Thank you gentlemen. I will try it.
Awsome review. Regards from Brazil. Have you guys Heard about the Brazilian Lamas house? They craft some lovely single malt whiskies.
Thank you. I got the chocolate note. Wow.
I had to rebuild my shelf to fit some of my taller bottles heh
I like the 12yo but my favourite was the 15yo Laimrig cask strength. It was a special edition and was better than the standard 15yo which is also good
Honestly, after I've seen the last re-review of a Bowmore 12 at Ralfy channel, I never actually was near the idea of actually buying this stuff. But after this, I'm much closer to get myself this bottle, or at least give it a chance at my whisky bar.
Análise é bem pessoal, vou deixar aqui quais foram as minhas sensações no Bowmore 12 anos.
*Oleosidade: Médio corpo, não achei muito oleoso ou denso, mas também não é ralo, achei que tem uma boa oleosidade!
Pra mim, não precisa mais que isso, está legal a oleosidade que ele apresenta.
*Visual: embora use corante achei a cor bonita!!!
*No olfato: álcool quase imperceptível, a primeira nota que eu senti foi do vegetal/orgânico da turfa, pra mim lembra muito estrume (chega ser engraçado, mas pra quem está familiarizado com essa características de alguns whisky, não acha ruim :D), depois veio o cheiro de defumado/esfumaçado bem fraco, e o de madeira (carvalho). Achei bem suave e equilibrado o cheiro. Não achei tão doce!!! Esses dias fui degusta-lo novamente e veio bem evidente o cheiro de bourbon (dos barris ex bourbon), porém não estou mais conseguindo encontrar esse aroma, preciso me concentrar mais nas próximas degustações.
Com água ou gelo realça o cheiro do carvalho (como a maioria dos whisky), o vegetal da turfa desaparece e o esfumaçado/defumado aparece beeem mais, e fica um pouco mais doce..
Não achei frutado, porém levemente cítrico.
*Paladar: Puro, a primeira nota pra mim foi o vegetal/ orgânico da turfa, depois um gosto de queimado (torra do carvalho), dando até a sensação de madeira queimada na boca, depois vem o leve esfumaçado / defumado e por último um amargo que lembra chocolate amargo.
Com gelo ou água ele fica um pouco mais simples, realça o carvalho (como a maioria dos whisky), o vegetal da turfa desaparece e o esfumaçado/defumado aparece bem mais, porém finaliza com uma sensação mais forte ainda da torra do Carvalho (gosto de queimado), e por fim um leve amargo.
*Resumo: Whisky muito fácil e gostoso de beber puro, é também bem agradável com gelo!!!! Não achei doce, e pra quem não gosta do vegetal da turfa, acrescente água ou gelo, pois com ele puro o sabor desse vegetal sobressai!!
É um whisky bem simples, para mim não vale o preço! Não sei se compraria novamente, a não ser numa mega promoção de queima de estoque!!!
I tasted the 15yo once and I didn't like that so I haven't tasted other Bowmore. I'm all the way Lagavulin guy but maybe I'll taste that 12 one day
It is really a shame that Bowmore has such inadequate presentations of their core range. The 12 should be so much more and would be if they stopped the chill filtration and bottled at 46% (or at least 43% for the 12 and 46% for the 15 and 18). It would probably be my favorite distillery. As it is now, every sip of their core range only presents you with what could be.
i agree, nows it is only smoked water and thin
Bowmore 18, too bad no more is provided, the price has gone from 70USD to 120 USD in Taiwan
After buying the taller bottle of Bowmore 12, I had to sell my house and buy one into which the Bowmore would fit.
Just kidding......
The house style is very nice, the bad presentation (chill filtred, coloured and low abv) ruins it though. Worst distillery on the island.
i agree, now it is just like smoked sweet water
JAAAAA I PAID 75 US Dollars for this and not including tax this very week!
Bowmore 15
I was dismayed when I heard how cheap it was in the UK compared to Canada. It's not a bad drink at all...just too much money here compared to others.
I do not recommend to someone brand new to spirits, but definitely to scotch newbies and others still wetting their feet in the whisky world.
This stuff goes well blended into other drinks, as well as earl grey tea, coffee. Other smokey thinks. Dribbled over some cakes.
Wtf
I don’t like it. Not smooth. Very oily, smoky. Not pleasant taste.