My first tale-Bowmore 12yr

The first scotch I will talk about, is the one I'm drinking now. When I'm looking for something new (or what I want isn't available) I will go to the large liquor emporium on my way from work and talk to the 40 something Australian wine connoisseur that works there. He almost always leads me in the right direction. This time I came in looking to replenish with more Glenmorangie, they were out. I walked to the clerk and simply requested: 12 year, single malt, Islay. The aroma is quiet and a little peaty, hides the alcohol well compared to some others. Initial flavor has that delicious smokey/peaty taste as well as a mild taste of honey. The finish leaves you with a bit of camp fire and tingly sweetness. All-in-all it's fantastic. Well worth the cost of a bottle (about 50 bucks post tax). I imagine for someone wanting to first try Islay scotch this would be a good way to go. It has all of the classic flavor of an Islay, but a bit less mind-blowing then the Forest fire in you mouth flavor of Ardbeg, and considerably less expensive.