Last Updated on: 9th April 2024, 12:33 am
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 Oban 14 in this comprehensive analysis and decide which Single Malt suits your preferences.
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 Oban 14: Comparison
Bowmore 12: Offers a mix of smoke, pineapple, and orange on the nose, with ripe fruit, honey, and vanilla on the palate. Finish is smoky with a mineral touch.
Oban 14: Begins with ripe fruit and orange peel, moving to dried fruit and spices on the palate. The finish is long with oak and baking spice.
Verdict: Both Bowmore 12 and Oban 14 showcase the elegance of smoky whiskies with distinct profiles. Bowmore 12 is ideal for those seeking a light smoky taste, while Oban 14 caters to enthusiasts of balanced, smoky sophistication. Each offers a unique sipping experience, celebrating the diversity of smoky whiskies, states Scotch expert Neil Coleman.
Related: Smoky Whisky Best Selections
Bowmore 12: Island Smoke with Restraint
- 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: Highland Park
- Smoke level: 😮💨😮💨
Peaty Pleasure: Bowmore 12 opens with a bold smoky aroma, softened by hints of pineapple and citrus.
Medium Body: The taste is medium-bodied, offering a pleasant mouthfeel.
Island Influence: Expect flavors of ripe fruit, honey, vanilla, and a touch of iodine, balanced by subtle smoke, a signature of Islay whiskies.
Subtle Smoke: Compared to other Islay expressions, Bowmore 12 uses half the peat, resulting in a restrained smokiness.
Shorter Finish: While the finish is short, it offers a lingering touch of smoke, minerals, and oak influence from bourbon casks.
Choice for Lighter Smoke: This whisky caters to those who prefer a less intense smoke experience.
Enjoyable Sip: Despite a lower proof (40% ABV) and a shorter finish, Bowmore 12 delivers a smooth and satisfying experience, free from harshness and excessive heat.
Oban 14: Smoky Sophistication
- Nose: Ripe fruit, orange peel, smoke
- Palate: Dried fruit, pear, apple, cinnamon
- Finish: Long, oak, baking spice, minerals
- Alcohol content: 86 proof (43% ABV)
- How to drink: Add water
- Similar to: Oban 18
- Smoke level: 😮💨😮💨
Intriguing Aroma: Oban 14 opens with a captivating mix of ripe fruit, citrus, and a hint of smoke, hinting at the flavors to come.
Creamy & Smooth: The palate is pleasantly creamy, offering a gentle warmth.
Balanced & Smoky: The taste starts with dried fruits, followed by sweet pear and apple notes, all wrapped in baking spices and a subtle touch of smoke.
Lingering Warmth: The finish is long and warming, leaving behind oak, baking spices, and a touch of salty air.
Subtle Smoke: While smoky, Oban 14 offers a balanced and restrained smoke experience, making it perfect for those who prefer a less intense smokiness compared to Islay malts.
Enjoyment Options: Savor it neat or add a touch of water for enhanced sweetness and oak.
Bourbon Influence: Aged in ex-bourbon barrels, this whisky reveals subtle bourbon notes, making it a great choice for bourbon lovers seeking a smoky twist.
Overall: Oban 14 is a premium single malt offering a delightful combination of balanced smokiness and other flavors, perfect for those who appreciate a refined smoky experience.
Related: Best Whisky Alternatives to Oban
Price comparison
Prices are approximate and stated in USD:
| Whisky | Price |
| Bowmore 12 | $60 |
| Oban 14 | $65 |