Bowmore 15 Years Old Sherry Oak Cask Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky 70 cl 43%

Bowmore has sat on the shore of Loch Indaal since 1779, and the sea is never far away, not even in the glass. Here the sherry casks get to stand at the front. The smoke is still there, but it waits at the back and lets raisins, cocoa and spice take the stage.

Expert's Description

Bowmore 15 year Sherry Oak Cask is an Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky matured in oloroso sherry casks and ex-bourbon casks, finished in oloroso sherry casks and bottled at 43%.

It belongs to Bowmore's Sherry Oak Collection, a range of four whiskies where the sherry casks lead. The label calls the casks hand-selected, and the cask work happens in two steps.

First the whisky matures in two kinds of oak: American oak that has held bourbon, and European oak that has held oloroso sherry. Then it gets a finish in casks seasoned with oloroso sherry. That last stage brings the darker notes of raisins, dates, cocoa and liquorice. The bourbon casks lay a softer foundation underneath. The back label states that colouring has been added.

Bowmore is considered the oldest distillery on Islay. The barley is dried over peat, and part of the malt is still made on the distillery's own malting floors. The water comes from the River Laggan. Suntory has been behind the distillery since 1994, and today Bowmore is part of Suntory Global Spirits.

Tasting Notes

Nose

Moist raisins and sweet dates come first. Then cinnamon, cocoa beans and a hint of dark chocolate, with a faint smoke far in the background.

Palate

Cedarwood and syrupy toffee, a bit like caramel sweets. Cloves show up halfway through, and liquorice root takes over towards the end.

Finish

Rich and woody, with sweet spice that lingers for a long time.

Specifications

Name: Bowmore 15 year Sherry Oak Cask
Distillery: Bowmore
Region/Country: Islay, Scotland
Type: Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Age: 15 years
ABV: 43%
Size: 70 CL
Cask type: Oloroso sherry casks and ex-bourbon casks, finished in oloroso sherry casks
Natural colour: No
Edition: Sherry Oak Collection
EAN no.: 5010496002605

Flavour Profile

Sherry matured · Dried fruit · Spicy · Sweet · Lightly smoky

Did you know?

The waste heat from Bowmore is used to warm a swimming pool, built into an old warehouse at the distillery.

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Frequently Asked Questions about Bowmore 15 year Sherry Oak Cask

What does Bowmore 15 year Sherry Oak Cask taste like?

It tastes of syrupy toffee, cedarwood and dried fruit, with cloves and liquorice in the finish. The nose offers raisins, dates, cocoa and dark chocolate, and a faint smoke sits far behind.

What is the difference between Bowmore 15 year Sherry Oak Cask and the regular Bowmore 15 year?

Sherry Oak Cask is darker and more sherried. It gets a finish in oloroso sherry casks, which brings cocoa, dried fruit and liquorice. The regular Bowmore 15 year leans towards vanilla, candied orange and toasted almonds.

Is Bowmore 15 year Sherry Oak Cask a very smoky whisky?

No, the smoke is gentle and stays in the background. The sherry casks lead, which makes it a calm first step into Islay Whisky without being knocked over by peat.

How should you drink Bowmore 15 year Sherry Oak Cask?

Neat, ideally from a tulip-shaped glass, so the spice and dried fruit have room to open up. At 43% it can take a single drop of water if you want to bring out the spicier notes. See our range of whisky glasses.

What food goes with Bowmore 15 year Sherry Oak Cask?

Bowmore itself suggests butter-poached lobster and summer vegetables. Dark chocolate is a safe bet too, as the cocoa in the whisky meets the cocoa on the plate.

Is Bowmore 15 year Sherry Oak Cask worth the money?

Yes, if you like sherried whisky with a little smoke. It has 15 years in cask, a finish in oloroso sherry casks and comes from the oldest distillery on Islay, so you get both age and a well-known house style in the bottle.