Bowmore 12 Year Old Scotch Whisky
Bowmore 12 Year Old Scotch Whisky is a 750mL Islay single malt bottled at 40% ABV, matured for twelve years in a combination of ex-bourbon and sherry casks. It is the classic introduction to Bowmore: citrus and honeyed sweetness in balance with the distillery's trademark medium peat smoke, and a long, mellow finish shaped by the waves and windswept landscape of Islay. It is available to order online at Del Mesa Liquor.
- ABV: 40% (80 proof)
- Size: 750mL
- Age: 12 years
- Casks: Ex-bourbon and sherry casks
- Region: Bowmore, Isle of Islay, Scotland
- Distillery: Bowmore Distillery, distilling since 1779, home of the No. 1 Vaults
Islay's Front Door
Bowmore has distilled on the shore of Loch Indaal since 1779, and the 12 Year Old is the malt that carries its name around the world. The recipe for that reach is balance: bourbon casks keep the spirit bright and honeyed, sherry casks add body and dark fruit, and the peat — Bowmore malts part of its own barley on traditional floor maltings — stays at a level that flavours rather than overwhelms. For drinkers curious about Islay but wary of the smoke bombs, this is the traditional place to start. Compare the range on the Bowmore vendor page and in our Scotch whisky collection.
Tasting Notes
The distillery's own summary runs to subtle lemon and sweet heather honey set against its trademark peat smoke, with dark chocolate through the palate and a delicious, long and mellow finish.
How to Enjoy
Neat or with a few drops of water; the balance also holds up in a smoky Rob Roy. More Islay malts are in our whisky collection and across our spirits collection.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Bowmore 12 a good first Islay whisky?
Yes — its peat is medium and balanced by lemon, honey and sherry-cask fruit, making it the classic gentle entry to Islay single malts.
What casks is Bowmore 12 matured in?
A combination of ex-bourbon and sherry casks over its twelve years, bottled at 40% ABV.
Where is Bowmore distilled?
In the town of Bowmore on the Isle of Islay, Scotland — Islay's oldest distillery, founded in 1779, with its famous No. 1 Vaults on the seashore.
Twelve balanced Islay years — order Bowmore 12 Year Old online from Del Mesa Liquor in San Diego, CA.