Widely considered an excellent introduction to Bowmore's single malts and one of the best 12-year-old Scotches around, this flagship expression from the oldest distillery on Islay showcases genuinely excellent balance between iconic peat smoke and the natural sweetness of barley. Tropical fruit, sweet smoke and floral notes open the nose alongside a hint of brine and new leather, developing into a palate of honey, peaches and vanilla layered with smoke, closing on a finish carrying brine, woodsmoke, citrus fruits and cocoa powder that's made this the archetypal Bowmore experience new whisky drinkers are often recommended to start with.

Character

Tropical Fruit

Tropical Fruit

Bright, exotic top note

Sweet Smoke

Sweet Smoke

Gentle, approachable peat

Honey & Peaches

Honey & Peaches

Warm, rounded sweetness

New Leather

New Leather

Distinctive, earthy complexity

Brine & Cocoa Powder

Brine & Cocoa Powder

Coastal, indulgent finish

Iconic Flagship Status

Iconic Flagship Status

Genuine Islay introduction

Bowmore 12 Years Old The Original Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky 70cl

Vendor: Bowmore
Availability: In Stock
Product Type: Whisky
Excellent Introduction
Excellent Introduction Balanced Peat & Barley Sweetness
40%
40% Oldest Islay Distillery
Islay, Scotland
Islay, Scotland Iconic Flagship Expression
£35.69 GBP
£42.69 GBP
£35.69 GBP
Save £7.00
Subtotal: £35.69
Order within the next hours minutes to receive it. Next Day delivery , Exclude Days FRI, SAT, SUN

Widely considered an excellent introduction to Bowmore's single malts and one of the best 12-year-old Scotches around, this flagship expression from the oldest distillery on Islay showcases genuinely excellent balance between iconic peat smoke and the natural sweetness of barley. Tropical fruit, sweet smoke and floral notes open the nose alongside a hint of brine and new leather, developing into a palate of honey, peaches and vanilla layered with smoke, closing on a finish carrying brine, woodsmoke, citrus fruits and cocoa powder that's made this the archetypal Bowmore experience new whisky drinkers are often recommended to start with.

Character

Tropical Fruit

Tropical Fruit

Bright, exotic top note

Sweet Smoke

Sweet Smoke

Gentle, approachable peat

Honey & Peaches

Honey & Peaches

Warm, rounded sweetness

New Leather

New Leather

Distinctive, earthy complexity

Brine & Cocoa Powder

Brine & Cocoa Powder

Coastal, indulgent finish

Iconic Flagship Status

Iconic Flagship Status

Genuine Islay introduction

    Tasting Notes

    Appearance

    Yellow gold colour. Thin, even legs present. Clear and bright. Classic flagship Islay malt look.


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    Aroma

    Tropical fruit leads first. Sweet smoke follows closely. Floral notes beneath. Fresh, balanced bouquet.

    files/aroma_6e8eb99f-313d-4c67-960c-397b3da933e2.svg

    Palate

    Honey entry throughout. Peaches develop next. Vanilla present. Smoke overall, well-balanced.

    files/Palate.svg

    Finish

    Brine departure. Woodsmoke lingers gently. Citrus fruits remain. Cocoa powder, satisfying close.

    files/Group_26.svg

    Specification

    Attribute Details
    Type Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky
    Age Statement 12 Years Old
    ABV (Alcohol by Volume) 40% vol
    Volume 70cl
    Region Islay, Scotland
    Storage Store upright at room temperature, away from direct light
    Serving Suggestion Enjoy neat or with a splash of water

    How to Enjoy

    • Serve neat in a tulip glass to appreciate its balanced character.
    • Add a splash of water to soften the smoke slightly.
    • Pair with light seafood or a mild cheeseboard.
    • Store upright at room temperature, away from sunlight.
    • Sip slowly to appreciate its approachable Islay balance.
    • Ideal as an introduction to smoky single malt Scotch whisky.

    Looking to explore more options like Bowmore 12 Years Old The Original Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky 70cl? Browse the full Single Malt Whisky collection for more choices.

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    Next-Day Delivery

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    Please Note:

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    Disclaimer

    Alcohol Disclaimer

    You must be 18 or over to purchase alcohol from R&V Drinks. Age verification may be required upon delivery. Please drink responsibly and never drink and drive.

    Product packaging, bottle design and availability may vary. Please check the product information and packaging before consumption.

    R&V Drinks currently displays an 18+ alcohol purchasing notice and links customers to Drinkaware for responsible-drinking information

    FAQs

    Why is Bowmore 12 Year Old considered a great introduction to Islay whisky?

    It showcases an excellent balance between iconic peat smoke and the natural sweetness of barley, making it more approachable than heavier Islay malts while retaining genuine character.

    What is the ABV of Bowmore 12 Years Old The Original?

    It's bottled at 40% ABV, standard for this flagship expression.

    What does Bowmore 12 Years Old taste like?

    Expect tropical fruit and sweet smoke on the nose with floral notes and brine, developing into a palate of honey, peaches and vanilla, finishing with brine, woodsmoke and cocoa powder.

    Why is Bowmore called the oldest distillery on Islay?

    Bowmore holds the distinction of being the first legal distillery established on Islay, giving it centuries of whisky-making heritage.

    Is Bowmore 12 Years Old good value for a 12-year single malt?

    Yes, it's widely regarded as one of the best value 12-year-old Scotches available, offering genuine Islay character at an accessible price point.

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