Bowmore 12 Year Old Sherry Oak Cask is an Islay single malt Scotch whisky from Bowmore's Sherry Oak collection, matured in American oak ex-bourbon and European oak Oloroso sherry casks and bottled at 40% ABV.
Bowmore has been making whisky on the shore of Loch Indaal since 1779, making it Islay's first licensed distillery. Known for its peated single malts in a mid-range smoky style of around 30 ppm, Bowmore matures much of its whisky in its famous No. 1 Vaults, whose sea-level microclimate is ideal for long ageing. This expression is the entry point to Bowmore's exploration of European oak, combining Islay's maritime peat smoke with the rich, fruity influence of sherry.
The palate is rich with sherry-soaked fruits, chocolate and baking spices, alongside red berries, vanilla caramel and peaches, all balanced against Bowmore's distinctive coastal style and gentle smoke.
A sherried Islay malt from one of Scotland's oldest distilleries, it makes a fine gift.
Enjoy it neat or with a drop of water.
Scotch whisky must be distilled and matured in Scotland for at least three years in oak casks, and any age statement on the label refers to the youngest whisky in the bottle.
Peat is partly decomposed vegetation burned to dry malted barley; its smoke soaks into the grain and carries through into the whisky, and Islay's peat gives a distinctly maritime, medicinal smoke.
Oloroso is a rich, nutty style of sherry; European oak casks that held it lend dried fruit, spice and depth, which balance Bowmore's coastal smoke.
Bowmore is one of the few Scottish distilleries that still malts part of its own barley on traditional malting floors.
Tasting Notes
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Fruit: Sherry-soaked fruits, red berries and peaches.
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Sweetness: Chocolate, vanilla caramel and baking spice.
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Smoke: Gentle maritime peat.
Specifications
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Producer: Bowmore Distillery
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Style: Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky
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Age: 12 years
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Proof / ABV: 80 proof (40% ABV)
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Cask / Finish: American oak ex-bourbon and European oak Oloroso sherry casks
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Region: Islay, Scotland
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Size: 700ml
How to Enjoy It
Enjoy it neat or with a drop of water. It pairs with dark chocolate, smoked meats or Christmas cake.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long has Bowmore made whisky?
Since 1779, the first licensed distillery on Islay.
What casks are used?
Ex-bourbon American oak and Oloroso sherry European oak.
How smoky is it?
Moderately peated, around 30 ppm, balanced by sherry fruit.
Explore more in our Scotch collection.
