Does Bowmore 12 still have a perfumy taste?

Oh, by the way, what about Bowmore 6 (AKA McClelland's Islay.)

I've had the 12 and the McClelland's recently, and neither had the perfume.

bill

My McClellands, my 12, and even my new 15 don't have it either (but my 15 two years ago did, whereas the 12 then didn't).

Search through old posts on this group and you'll find that some of us have NEVER come across this characteristic. Go get it.

bill van:

Douglas W. Hoyt:

two years ago did, whereas the 12 then didn't).

Thank you very much for your advice. I just picked up a bottle of the McClelland's Islay, and it was everything I want in a young Islay. There is a lot of smoky peat in the nose and early taste, full-bodied(just a touch harsh) flavor, a little iodine, and a larger than usual fraction of the smokiness returning in the finish.

Glad you enjoyed it. Keep an eye out for Dun Bheagan and The Ileach, two more young Islays, most likely Lagavulins, bottled by independents. If anything, I like them better than the McClelland's. From what I've read, Finlaggan is in the same category, but I've never come across it.

bill

I have to admit I don't drink mine neat. I usually mix 1 part McClellands Islay to 2 parts Famous Grouse and have it on ice!

For a change of pace I use the Signatory 5-year Islay (Lagavulin?) instead of the McClellands.

The only other malt I drink on ice is this Tomatin 12. Somehow chilling it masks the more smarmy, cloying aspects and brings out a vivid sherry freshness and a nice bit of peat--it turns it from a middling unsatisfying malt to something really tasty.

Tomatin has been a disappointment to me.

The first version I tried, a 12yo about a decade ago was very good for the price.

An old bottling from Gordon & Macphail was indescribably good.

The geodesic "crystal football" version wasn't as good as the previous

Tomatin produces a huge amount of malt, and they should be able to bottle a decent single. But my last experience with an OB Tomatin was so umplesant I won't be trying another very soom...

Perhaps I should have vatted it with a young Islay. It couldn't have hurt!

Bart