Bowmore Islay 12 year old is the very heart of the Bowmore range of single malt Whiskies. And lot of Bowmore fans are very excited because the current releases are a throwback to the traditional Bowmores produced in the 1960s and 1970s before mergers and acquisitions dimmed their craftsmanship for several years. It’s so good that it took runner-up as Whisky of the Year in 2015. Importantly, it is what they call a “medium peated” dram. Plenty of sea and smoke and spice to let you know that you are drinking an Islay single malt, but with an intentionally natural balance to let the natural fruits tickle the tastes buds as well.