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Episode 4: Highland Park 12 and Bowmore 12

Happy Canadian Thanksgiving! This is a wonderful time of year. The harvest is coming in and we are gearing up for winter. The smell of baking and fall fruits fill the air. Maybe it's the Canadian in me, but I love the turn of the seasons. This is also a time of year I start to spend a few more evenings at home near a fire. Walks or time outside tends to end earlier in the night and we have a little more time visiting. This is a great time to explore Scotch.

Reflecting on my comments from my last review, I thought I would chose two bottles that are reasonably affordable and approachable; Highland Park 12 and Bowmore 12. These are both peated Scotches but are around the 20 - 25 ppm and would be a good introduction to the style. Highland park distillery is on the island of Orkney, just north of the Scotish mainland. I have not had the pleasure of a visit, but I've read it is a beautiful island with few tall trees. This gives it's peat bogs a distinct make up and flavour that is rich with flower and shrub. Or, at least that is how I have heard it described. When I sip a dram of Highland Park 12, I do notice an inviting peaty and smoky nose. Lighter than some, but interesting. On the palate this springs to life. I pick up dark fruits, honey, and a gentle smoke that is worth savoring. The finish is lasting and brings out the oak. I should mention that there is an aroma in the nose I cannot identify that I do not enjoy. Maybe it is the flower notes, but I don't think so. I cannot pick it up in their older expressions so it does smooth out with time in a cask. Still, I enjoy this Scotch and would gladly pour it for friends.

Bowmore 12 is a very approachable Islay Scotch. That island is known for it's briny, peaty Scotches. Many of them will curl your toes or at least leave you chewing on their finish for the rest of the night. This expression is not a monster and I would consider it if you are beginning to explore peat and smoke in whisky. Up front the nose is softer than I would expect, but with time it opens up to a young campfire; you can smell both the smoke and the wood. On the palate I find the gentle sweetness of Barley the flavours of peat and more of that inviting smoke. When I have sipped this into the night I have noticed a bit of citrus come up too. Like the Highland Park 12, this is a good introduction to peated Scotches and certainly more approachable than the Laphroaig Quarter Cask I reviewed last week. On this night I preferred the Highland Park, but I asked my wife to give each a nose and for her, she picked the Bowmore as more inviting. I think that just reinforces that taste is always a bit personal. Enjoy responsibly.

Bowmore 12 Rating: ✮✮✮✬✰
Highland Park 12 Rating: ✮✮✮✮✰
Video Review Link: https://youtu.be/kENj7qXJlJU

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