Last Updated on: 26th April 2024, 05:37 pm
J Highland
J Highland is a certified sommelier with 30 years in the liquor industry, owning a pub, a liquor store, and moonlighting as a spirits distiller.
Discover the best way of drinking Bowmore 12: Ideas for tasting, pairing, and enjoying this lightly peated Scotch.
Written by: J Highland
Key Takeaways
- Adding a dash of water is suggested by Scotch expert Neil Coleman to enhance fruity notes.
- Bowmore 12 is bottled at 40% ABV, and water should be added carefully.
- The Glencairn glass is recommended for optimal aroma and taste.
- The flavor profile includes smoky scent, pineapple, citrus, ripe fruits, honey, vanilla, and iodine undertones.
- Two cocktail recipes, Old Fashioned and Smoky Island Sour, are provided.
- Pairs well with oysters, mature cheese, and grilled lamb.
- Quick Note: Running a pub and liquor store provides me ample access to various spirits, in addition, I moonlight as a spirits distiller. I assess them using customer feedback, expert opinions and online research.
Best Way to Drink Bowmore 12
“The ideal way of drinking Bowmore 12 is by adding a dash of water.”, mentions Scotch expert Neil Coleman.
Introducing a few drops of water can amplify the fruity notes, enhancing your Bowmore 12 tasting experience.
Straight from the bottle, Bowmore 12 exhibits a gentle peatiness.
With water, this peat profile is softened, and more of its fruity characteristics shine through.
That’s why a touch of water can be a game-changer for this 12-year-old Scotch.
- Related: Best Whiskies Coming from Islay
- Learn more: Bowmore 12 Website
Adding Water: With Finesse
Since the Bowmore 12 is bottled at a modest 80 proof (40% ABV) I recommend adding water one drop at a time until you find the sweet spot.
Remember, individual tastes vary.
While some may prefer a stronger peat profile, others may lean towards its fruitier notes.
Traditionally, a slight splash of water does wonders for this scotch, unveiling hidden layers.
On the Rocks
While ice can cool the whisky, it doesn’t necessarily enhance its flavors.
Most folks on this side of the pond often love their drinks on the rocks, but for Scotch, especially one like Bowmore 12, the traditional Scottish method prevails.
Remember the old saying – when you’re in Scotland, follow the Scots.
For an authentic tasting journey, embrace the Scottish tradition of just a touch of water.
Choosing the Right Glass
The Glencairn remains a favorite for drinking Bowmore.
This glass perfectly captures the whisky’s aromatic essence, intensifying every sip.
Its design allows for effortless swirling, revealing Bowmore 12’s multifaceted aroma.
Its clarity beautifully showcases the whisky’s golden hue.
For Bowmore 12, the Glencairn is indeed the top choice.
If you don’t have a Glencairn or are not willing to spend in one, a whiskey rocks glass will suffice.
Flavor Profile
The Bowmore 12 showcases a pronounced smoky scent, a signature of the peat employed in drying its malted barley.
This aroma is accompanied by understated tones of pineapple and citrus.
Upon tasting, its medium body delivers a gratifying texture.
Prominent flavors of ripe fruits and honey emerge initially, trailed by hints of vanilla and the characteristic iodine undertones synonymous with Islay whiskies.
Its smoky undertone is gentle yet consistently felt, ensuring a well-rounded taste.
Concluding the tasting journey, the finish is brief but marked by faint smoky whispers, mineral nuances, and the charred oak essence derived from its bourbon barrel maturation.
Bowmore 12 in cocktails
Bowmore 12 drinks nicely on its own.
However, if you’re inclined towards cocktails, Bowmore 12 can be quite versatile.
Here are two cocktail recipes that highlight and complement the flavors of Bowmore 12:
1. Old Fashioned
Ingredients:
- 2 oz Smoky Scotch
- 2 dashes Angostura bitters
- 1 sugar cube
- A few dashes of plain water
- Orange or lemon twist for garnish
Method:
- Muddle the sugar cube and bitters with one ounce of whisky at the bottom of a mixing glass.
- Fill the mixing glass with ice cubes and add the remaining whisky.
- Stir well until chilled.
- Strain into an old-fashioned glass filled with ice.
- Garnish with an orange or lemon twist.
2. Smoky Island Sour
Ingredients:
- 2 oz Smoky Scotch
- 1 oz fresh lemon juice
- 0.75 oz simple syrup (adjust based on your sweetness preference)
- 1 egg white (optional, for froth)
- Cherry or a slice of lemon for garnish
Method:
- In a shaker, combine the whisky, fresh lemon juice, simple syrup, and egg white (if using).
- Dry shake (shake without ice) vigorously for about 15 seconds to create froth from the egg white.
- Add ice to the shaker and shake again until chilled.
- Strain into a rocks glass or a coupe, depending on preference.
- Garnish with a cherry or a slice of lemon.
Pairing with Food
With its varied notes, Bowmore 12 pairs wonderfully with:
- Oysters: Accentuating its maritime notes.
- Mature Cheese: Contrasting its sweet and smoky profile.
- Grilled Lamb: The smokiness of both creates a harmonious blend.
Preserving Your Bowmore 12 Bottle
To keep its flavor intact:
- Store it upright to keep the cork in prime condition.
- Avoid direct sunlight.
- Ensure it’s kept in a consistently cool and dark space.
- Enjoy it at its freshest.
About Bowmore 12
Bowmore, nestled by the shores of Loch Indaal on Islay, is renowned for its perfect balance of peat and sweet characteristics, making it an ideal choice for those exploring Smoky Whisky.
Bowmore 12 is a testament to the distillery’s commitment to quality, combining their unique Islay peat with the influence of their oak casks, resulting in a whisky that is both distinct and delightful.