Bowmore, established in 1779, is said to be the first distillery opened on the isle of Islay. Notably, the distillery continues to source malt from the island and has an active traditional floor malting process, however, this is bolstered with industrially malted barley from the mainland. Personally, the distillery holds some significance for me as I once had a torrid love affair with a pour of the Bowmore 15 year old in the inimitable Aero Club bar in San Diego, early in my whisky journey. The experience was eye—rather, mind—opening for me, dramatically expanding the horizons of flavor and complexity that I had so far experienced in a whisky. Undoubtedly, some part of that magic was the product of inexperience and inebriation, but, as they say, you never forget your first time. As far as Islay Malts are concerned, the Bowmore 12 year showcases a relatively gentle peat, so those for whom the power of the bog holds no charm need feel no concern. The malt pours a rich yellow-gold, with