Bowmore 12 Year Old Sherry Cask Scotch Whisky
Islay Single Malt Scotch | 40% ABV (80 proof) | 12 Years Old — Bowmore 12-Year-Old Sherry Oak Cask is the entry expression of the Sherry Oak Cask Collection, launched in the U.S. in late 2025. Matured in hand-selected European oak Oloroso sherry casks and American oak ex-bourbon barrels, then finished in European oak Oloroso sherry seasoned casks, it brings Bowmore's sherry-cask style to the collection's most accessible price. Distilled at Bowmore, Islay's oldest licensed distillery (founded 1779). Available to order online at Del Mesa Liquor in San Diego, CA.
The 12-year-old leans brighter and sweeter than its older sibling: the brand's official notes open with vanilla caramel, red berries, marzipan and dried fruit on the nose, then ripe pears, lemon juice, cinnamon, toasted almonds and peaches in syrup on the palate, with Bowmore's signature smoldering smokiness rising through. Sweet spice and nuttiness carry the long, sweet finish. An easy doorway into sherry-cask Scotch — and into Islay peat — at an everyday price.
Tasting notes
Nose: vanilla caramel, red berries, marzipan, dried fruit (Bowmore official). Palate: ripe pears, lemon, cinnamon, toasted almonds, peaches in syrup, rising smoke. Finish: long, sweet spice.
Why buy it from Del Mesa Liquor
- 40% ABV, 12 years old — Oloroso sherry cask matured and finished
- Bowmore, Islay — founded 1779, Islay's oldest licensed distillery
- Entry point to the new Sherry Oak Cask Collection
- Available to order online at Del Mesa Liquor
How to serve it
Neat or with a splash of water — the water lifts the red-berry and caramel notes. Excellent as the first pour of an Islay tasting flight.
Frequently asked questions
How does the 12 differ from the 15?
The 15 is 43% ABV and carries deeper, darker Oloroso character (raisins, treacle, liquorice); the 12 is 40% ABV, brighter and sweeter — vanilla caramel, red berries, pears.
Is it chill-filtered?
The EU spec sheet (quoted by deliawhisky.de) lists caramel coloring and chill filtration for this expression.
Is it very peaty?
Moderately — Bowmore's peat is present but framed by sherry sweetness, making it one of the gentler introductions to Islay smoke.