Bowmore 12 vs Caol Ila 12: Scotch Whisky Comparison

Last Updated on: 8th April 2024, 02:43 pm

J Highland

J Highland is a certified sommelier with 30 years in the liquor industry, owning a pub, a liquor store, and moonlighting as a spirits distiller.

Discover the contrasts between Bowmore 12 and Caol Ila 12 in this detailed comparison to decide your preferred Single Malt!

Quick Note: Running a pub and liquor store provides me ample access to various spirits, in addition, I moonlight as a spirits distiller. I assess them using customer feedback, expert opinions and online research.

Written by: J Highland

Bowmore 12 vs Caol Ila 12: Comparison

Bowmore 12: Delivers a gentle smoky aroma with hints of pineapple and orange, leading to flavors of ripe fruit and vanilla on the palate. The finish is short with a smoky and mineral touch. An approachable Islay malt for beginners to smoky whiskies.

Caol Ila 12: Offers a smoky nose with smoked ham and fruit, evolving into a palate of red fruit, caramel, and lemon zest. The finish is long, smoky, and spiced. A smoothly balanced Islay malt that’s milder compared to its peers.

Verdict: Both Bowmore 12 and Caol Ila 12 provide a gateway to Islay whiskies, with Bowmore 12 being more subtle and Caol Ila 12 offering a balanced smoke profile. Ideal choices for exploring peaty flavors with differing levels of smokiness and complexity, states whiskey expert Neil Coleman.

Bowmore 12: A Delicately Smoky Islay Single Malt

Nose: Smoke, pineapple, orange
Palate: Ripe fruit, honey, vanilla, iodine
Finish: Short, smoke, mineral, charred oak
Alcohol content: 80 proof (40% ABV)
How to drink: Neat

Bowmore 12 offers a subtly smoky introduction to the world of Islay whiskies.

Aromatic Hints:

The nose greets you with a prominent smoky note, balanced by delicate pineapple and citrus undertones.

Moderate and Pleasant:

The palate experiences a smooth and medium-bodied texture with a blend of ripe fruit, honey, and vanilla flavors.
A touch of Islay character emerges with a hint of iodine and subtle smoke.

Short and Gentle Finish:

The finish offers a gentle smoky essence with a mineral touch and a hint of charred oak.

Approachable Islay Expression:

Bowmore 12 stands out for its light and approachable smoke compared to other Islay whiskies.
This is attributed to using half the peat during malting, making it a good choice for beginners exploring smoky whiskies.

Additional Notes:

Aged in ex-sherry and ex-bourbon casks, contributing to its unique flavor profile.
Award-winning: Gold (SF World Spirits Competition 2018, International Wine & Spirits Competition 2013).
One of the few distilleries still hand-turning, malting, and peating their barley.
Founded in 1779, making it Islay’s oldest and Scotland’s second-oldest distillery.

Caol Ila 12: A Smoothly Smoky Islay Single Malt

Nose: Smoked ham, apple, pear
Palate: Red fruit, caramel, vanilla, lemon zest
Finish: Long, smoke, oak spice
Alcohol content: 80 proof (40% ABV)
How to drink: Neat

Caol Ila 12 offers a unique and approachable introduction to the world of peaty whiskies from Islay.

Intriguing Aroma:

The nose presents a distinctive smoky aroma reminiscent of smoked ham, balanced with subtle fruity notes of apple and pear.

Creamy and Flavorful:

The palate experiences a thick and creamy texture, followed by a blend of red fruit and caramel flavors with a touch of vanilla and lemon zest.

Long and Satisfying Finish:

The finish lingers with a pleasant smokiness, complemented by spices and earthy minerals.

A Balanced Islay Experience:

Caol Ila 12 stands out for its smoothness and balance, offering a satisfying combination of smoke and spice.
Compared to other Islay offerings, it boasts a lighter and more approachable character attributed to its copper-pot still distillation.

Tips:

If you find the smoke a bit strong, adding a few drops of water can reveal more floral and sweet notes.

Who Should Try It:

Perfect for those seeking to explore peaty whiskies but preferring a milder smoke influence compared to other Islay expressions like Ardbeg, Lagavulin, or Laphroaig.

Caol Ila 12 Facts:

Aged for a minimum of 12 years in oak casks.
Award-winning: Double Gold (SF World Spirits Competition), Gold (International Spirits Challenge 2014).
Founded in 1846 on Islay by Hector Henderson.
Contributes 95% to Johnnie Walker Black Label blend.
Owned by Diageo, a leading beverage company.