Bowmore The Devils Casks 10 Year Old Single Islay Malt Whisky 56.9%

Only 6,000 bottles. The first batch. Released in 2013 and gone almost immediately. Bowmore The Devil's Cask Batch I is not just a whisky — it's the beginning of a series that set the standard for what Islay and sherry can do together.

Expert's description

Bowmore The Devil's Casks 10 Year Small Batch Release I is an Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky matured in first-fill sherry casks and bottled at 56.9%. Released in 2013 as the first expression in the Devil's Casks Small Batch Release series — only 6,000 bottles were produced, making it a collector's favourite almost immediately. Matured for 10 years in first-fill sherry casks, which give an unusually deep and intense flavour profile for the age. Bottled at 56.9%, preserving both the richness and complexity of the cask. Often cited as one of Bowmore's most successful modern sherry bombs — intense, deep and memorable. A bottle that marks the beginning of one of Islay's most celebrated limited release series.

Tasting notes

Nose

Rich sherry notes: dark fruits, raisins and plums with dark chocolate and warm peat smoke. Dense and concentrated from the first-fill sherry influence.

Taste

Powerful and dark with sherry sweetness, dried fruit, Christmas cake and a bold peat backbone. The first-fill sherry casks give a depth that is almost viscous.

Finish

Exceptionally long. Sherry sweetness, smoke and dark chocolate keep returning long after the glass is empty — one of the longest finishes in Bowmore's range.

Specifications

Name: Bowmore The Devil's Casks 10 Year Small Batch Release I
Distillery: Bowmore
Region/Country: Islay, Scotland
Type: Single Islay Malt Whisky
ABV: 56.9%
Size: 70 CL
Cask type: First-fill sherry casks
Number of bottles: 6,000
Edition: Small Batch Release I (2013)
EAN no.: 5010496003688

Flavour profile

Heavily sherried · Peated · Dark fruit · Cask strength · Collector

Investment potential

High. The first release in the Devil's Casks series, only 6,000 bottles produced and now discontinued. One of the most sought-after modern Bowmore releases among collectors.

Did you know?

The Devil's Cask name draws on the same legend as "the angels' share" — evaporation from the cask during maturation — but frames it with the darker mythology of the Vaults' underground character.

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Frequently asked questions about Bowmore The Devil's Casks 10 Year Small Batch Release I

What are Bowmore The Devil's Casks?

An exclusive, limited cask strength expression from Bowmore inspired by the distillery's iconic underground Vaults at Loch Indaal. The series celebrates Islay's dramatic heritage with a raw and intense character.

Is Bowmore Devil's Cask Batch I at 56.9% worth it?

Yes. A powerful, authentic cask strength Bowmore — intense, interesting and very different from the diluted standard range. For whisky enthusiasts, it is a clear yes.

What does cask strength mean here?

Cask strength means the whisky is bottled directly from the cask without adding water to reduce the strength. 56.9% is the cask's natural strength at the time of bottling.

What can I expect when I open a bottle of Devil's Cask Batch I?

A dark, richly sherried Islay whisky with extraordinary depth for a 10-year-old. First-fill sherry casks at full strength give it a density and sweetness that is unusual for Bowmore. The peat is present but wrapped in layers of dried fruit and dark chocolate.

How rare is this bottle?

Only 6,000 bottles were produced worldwide. As a discontinued first release in a now-celebrated series, it is increasingly difficult to find outside specialist retailers and auction houses.

How should I store a bottle of Devil's Cask Batch I?

Store upright in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight and heat. Once opened, consume within a couple of years for best quality — though the high ABV helps preserve it considerably longer than lighter whiskies.