Bowmore Legend is a single malt Scotch Whisky from Islay’s oldest distillery. Legend is the entry-level whisky in the Bowmore lineup, a range known for its peaty, smoky malts that includes the popular Bowmore 12-Year and 18-Year, as well as some very interesting, hard-to-find drams.
Unlike the other core whiskies in the Bowmore lineup, Bowmore Legend is bottled without an age statement. It tastes younger and leaner than the other expressions, but it still carries the unmistakable flavors and aromas of Islay. On the nose, you’ll find some peat and briny sea air tempered by a bit of sweet honey. Take a sip and taste flavors of zesty lemon, iodine, peat and barley. It finishes short and dry.
Bowmore Legend is a youthful whisky (Scotland drops the ‘e’) from nose to finish. Let it sit in the glass awhile, and you’ll find stronger notes of peat and citrus, but overall, this is very straightforward stuff. That said, it’s also very drinkable and an easy-going introduction to Islay whiskies. While Bowmore’s older expressions, and certainly those from Ardbeg and Laphroaig, are bursting with smoke and salt, Bowmore Legend is relatively tame.
If you want something complex and contemplative, reach for a different bottle. But for a simple weekday whisky, the friendly and affordable Bowmore Legend should do the trick.
Stats:
– 40% Alcohol by Volume
– $28
CE Rating: ★★★
Just for infomation purposes. Scotland does not infact ‘drop’ the e , but everyone else adds it.
A very delicious young Islay, for a saltier taste go with a young Ardbeg.
Ryan- I want to get a bottle for my boss. If you know, where can you buy in the US? Having trouble finding some. Thanks.
Just got a bottle. I would say this review is spot on!