Why did I buy it?
I kind of felt I had to? A weird reason, but I felt like it deserved a try as it is pretty much readily available in every supermarket in the country. At this point I had already tried Lagavulin, Ardbeg, Bunnahabhain, Caol Ila and Laphroaig from the Islay setlist. Interesting titbit of information. I actually started my whisky journey with the peated whiskies. Laphroaig 10 was a particular favourite of mine, which is mad really as I tend to stay away from peated whisky to begin with when I’m introducing my friends to Scotch; usually ending the night with either a Highland Park or maybe Lagavulin. If they like those then the night doesn’t end there anyway!
Although, this has been sat in my cupboard for a good few years having never been opened. Because not long after I bought this bottle I kind of became the whisky nerd who’s writing for you now. I read the books, visited distilleries, watched the Vlogs on YouTube, listened to the podcasts, the whole works. Bog standard Bowmore 12 just wasn’t exciting enough to open when I had single cask, cask strength, limited edition, distillery exclusive. . . You get the idea.
It was finally opened a few weeks ago with a friend of mine who wanted to try and better understand whisky and he got to liking the smoky influences, so I thought I might as well open it. If he did like it, it was something readily available for him to pick up at the shops; and if he didn’t like it; well it’s whisky, it’s not a real negative having another bottle open is it!?
Where did I buy it?
Tesco. You can also pick up a bottle here:
https://www.tyndrumwhisky.com/bowmore-12-year-old.html
Check out this site properly though. They have an outstandingly amazing range of whisky as well as supermarket shelf filler!
Have I opened it?
Yes. Just.
Review
Nose: Burnt wood and Earl Grey Tea
Palate: Slight citrus, Creosote
Finish: Label on the back says mellow finish. I’d say it’s more non-existent. Slight coal soot.
uk_whisky 
Like you say, at the start of a whisky journey it may have been enlightening. For me, 25+ years in, it’s proper meh. Just finished a couple of bottles I got cheap at auction – the quality is the same as ever but the experience has lessened. Absolutely no need to revisit this again. That said, Bowmore (like, nearly, all distilleries) can do some brilliant stuff – just depends whether they want to offer it at good value for the punter – Bowmore Black was only £80 when it first hit the shops!
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Thank you so much for your input Bert, I really appreciate it! I did not know it was that price when it was released! (Obviously adjusting for inflation). Still a bargain for the quality, naturally that’s perceived for me; I haven’t had the luxury to try such a whisky yet. What’s your pick for value for the punter on Islay nowadays?
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Sorry for the late response, I’ve been trying to control “unruly” badgers. Peated:- Ardbeg 10 for £37 on Amazon. Less so:- Bunnahabhain 12, sometimes £30 on the same site. 🟦🥃🐢
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