Bowmore 15 Year Old Sherry Oak Cask

Distillery Background and History

Bowmore is the oldest operating distillery on Islay, founded in 1779 on the shores of Loch Indaal, Scotland. It has long held a storied legacy, blending peat smoke with maritime character, eventually becoming part of Morrison Bowmore Distillers, now owned by Suntory. The distillery remains notable for traditional practices such as floor malting and aging in its subterranean “No. 1 Vaults.” 

Master Distiller and Production Philosophy

While a specific “Master Distiller” name is not always spotlighted for this bottling, Bowmore’s current Master Blender / blending team, under Calum Fraser, has steered the brand toward a Sherry Oak Collection approach. The philosophy emphasizes careful cask selection, balancing American oak ex-bourbon influence with European oak Oloroso sherry maturation to highlight sweetness, smoke, and structure. 

Source of Ingredients (Grain, Water, Yeast)

The distillery uses malted barley (some of which is locally grown on Islay, though the island supply is insufficient, so mainland barley is also used). Water is drawn from Loch Indaal / local sources on Islay. The yeast strains and precise sourcing are not publicly disclosed, but Bowmore maintains traditional yeast selection and fermentation in wooden washbacks. 

Distillation Process

Bowmore uses copper pot stills (with two wash stills and two spirit stills). The malted barley is floor-malted and hand turned during drying. Distillation is standard for single malts, with care paid to cuts and reflux to retain the signature balance of smoke and fruit. 

Maturation & Cask Information

The whisky is matured for at least 15 years across American oak ex-bourbon casks and European oak Oloroso (sherry) casks, then finished in European oak Oloroso-sherry-seasoned casks to impart richer sherry character. 

Tasting Notes

• Nose: Vanilla, toasted almonds, stewed apple, baked pastry, cinnamon, sultanas, dark chocolate, and a gentle wisp of sea smoke. 

• Palate: Candied orange, toasted walnuts, blackberry jam, hints of licorice, clove, pepper, molasses, and burned oak. Soft smoke emerges. 

• Finish: Lingering charred wood, subtle smoke, sweet spices, clove, licorice, and a balancing dry oak edge. 

Food Pairing Suggestions

Pair with dark chocolate desserts, dried fruits, rich stews (lamb, beef bourguignon), blue cheese, smoked meats, or roasted nuts.

Serving Suggestions and Ideal Glassware

Serve neat or with a few drops of water to open up aromas. Use a Glencairn glass or tulip-shaped whisky glass. Ideal drinking temperature is around 18–20 °C.

Storage and Aging Potential

Once bottled, it is stable and should be stored upright, in a cool, dark place away from temperature extremes. This is a ready-to-drink 15-year expression — further maturation in bottle offers only very slow evolution, mainly subtle mellowness over many years.

Grain Type & Mash Bill

This is a single malt Scotch whisky (100% malted barley, no other grains).

ABV (Alcohol by Volume)

43 % ABV