Last Updated on: 8th April 2024, 02:41 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.
Explore the distinctions between Bowmore 12 and Highland Park 12 in this detailed comparison to determine the superior Single Malt for your preference!
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 vs Highland Park: Comparison
Bowmore 12: Offers a gentle smoky profile with hints of pineapple and orange, complemented by a palate of ripe fruit, honey, and a touch of iodine. The finish is short with smoke and charred oak. It’s a balanced Islay malt for those who prefer subtler peatiness.
Highland Park 12: Features floral and honey notes with a smoky undertone, leading to flavors of cereal and orange on the palate, and a long finish with oak and pepper. This whisky provides a milder peat experience, ideal for those new to smoky whiskies.
Verdict: Both Bowmore 12 and Highland Park 12 offer a gateway to the world of peated Scotch, each with a distinct approach to balance and flavor. Bowmore 12 suits those looking for a smoother Islay experience, while Highland Park 12 is perfect for exploring gentle smoke with a hint of sweetness, states whiskey expert Neil Coleman.
Related: Smoky Scotch Top Recommendations
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
- Similar to: Dalmore 12
Aroma: This Islay single malt opens with a distinctive yet restrained smokiness, complemented by delicate hints of pineapple and citrus, offering a complex and intriguing first impression.
Taste: The Bowmore 12 boasts a pleasantly medium body, delivering a smooth and enjoyable mouthfeel. The initial sip reveals a balance of sweet ripe fruit and honey notes, along with vanilla, a touch of the signature Islay iodine, and a subtle hint of smoke.
Finish: The finish lingers shortly, offering a gentle smoky essence, a touch of minerality, and a hint of charred oak from the bourbon casks used for maturation.
Overview: The Bowmore 12 caters to fans of peaty whiskies seeking a subtler smoke experience. Due to their unique malting process, Bowmore uses less peat compared to other Islay distilleries, resulting in a more balanced taste profile.
While a higher proof might offer enhanced complexity, the current strength remains enjoyable, offering a smooth and pleasant drinking experience without any harshness.
Additional Notes:
- Aged in a combination of ex-sherry and ex-bourbon casks, enriching the flavor profile.
- Awarded a Gold Medal at the 2018 San Francisco World Spirits Competition and the International Wine and Spirits Competition 2013.
- Produced by Bowmore, established in 1779, making it the oldest Islay distillery and the second oldest in Scotland. Notably, they still employ traditional hand-turning, malting, and peating techniques.
Highland Park 12: A Smoky Delight for Peaty Enthusiasts
- Nose: Floral, smoke, orange, honey
- Palate: Cereal, orange, green tea, smoke
- Finish: Long, oak, pepper
- Alcohol content: 86 proof (43% ABV)
- How to drink: Add water
- Similar to: Oban 14
Aroma: This single malt opens with a delightful blend of rich floral notes, a touch of tangy citrus, and sweet honey, offering a complex yet inviting first impression.
Taste: The Highland Park 12 boasts a smooth and sweet character on the palate. Flavors of cereal, orange, and green tea dance alongside subtle smokiness and delicate hints of iodine and honey. While the body might feel slightly lighter, it remains enjoyable.
Finish: The finish is predominantly sweet with a touch of spice, featuring notes of oak and lingering for a short while. Adding a few drops of water intensifies the sweetness and reveals some intriguing meaty notes, enhancing the overall experience.
Overview: The Highland Park 12 offers a balanced and approachable peaty flavor profile. Its smokiness is not as intense as some Islay whiskies, making it a great choice for those seeking a subtle hint of smoke in their drink.
While it may not be the most complex option for seasoned peaty whisky enthusiasts, its slight sweetness makes it a good starting point for newcomers to the world of peaty whiskies.
Well-rounded and enjoyable, the Highland Park 12 delivers excellent value for its price point.
Additional Notes:
- Aged in casks previously used for Spanish Oloroso Sherry, imparting unique flavor characteristics.
- Naturally uncolored, showcasing the whisky’s authentic character.
- Produced by Highland Park, the northernmost single malt Scotch distillery in Scotland, established in 1798.
Price comparison
Prices are approximate and stated in USD:
| Whisky | Price |
| Bowmore 12 | $60 |
| Highland Park 12 | $63 |