One of Islay's 8 distilleries on this remote Scottish isle, if Laphroig is the epitomy of iodine and smoky manly Islay goodness, Bowmore is its feminine, gentle sea-spray of a cousin. Known for their more delicate versions of Islay's peated whiskies, the 12 year is a great introduction for the un-Islay initiated, with its notes of honey, citrus, and gentle smokiness that doesn't even begin to hit your senses until moments after you've had your first, glorious sip.