Bowmore has announced the return of its highly sought-after The Devil’s Casks collection, more than a decade after the original series became a favourite among collectors and Islay whisky enthusiasts. The 2026 revival introduces two limited edition single malt Scotch whiskies: Bowmore The Devil’s Casks 10 Year Old and Bowmore The Devil’s Casks 22 Year Old.
The new releases celebrate the rich, sherry-influenced character that made the original collection so memorable. The 10 Year Old combines first-fill Oloroso sherry maturation with a Pedro Ximénez cask finish, while the exceptionally limited 22 Year Old has been created using two casks retained from the original series and matured for a further decade.
Bottled at 56.6% ABV and 59.6% ABV respectively, both expressions explore the darker, richer side of Bowmore's Islay single malt, bringing together dried fruit, chocolate, warming spice and the distillery's distinctive coastal peat smoke.
Bowmore The Devil’s Casks 2026 – At a Glance
|
Detail |
10 Year Old |
22 Year Old |
|---|---|---|
|
Distillery |
Bowmore |
Bowmore |
|
Region |
Islay, Scotland |
Islay, Scotland |
|
Whisky Type |
Single Malt Scotch Whisky |
Single Malt Scotch Whisky |
|
Age Statement |
10 Years |
22 Years |
|
Release Year |
2026 |
2026 |
|
Cask Maturation |
First-fill Oloroso sherry |
First-fill Oloroso and Pedro Ximénez sherry |
|
Cask Finish |
First-fill Pedro Ximénez |
Refill Oloroso sherry |
|
ABV |
56.6% |
59.6% |
|
Bottle Size |
70cl |
70cl |
|
Natural Colour |
Yes |
Not confirmed |
|
Non-Chill Filtered |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Recommended Retail Price |
£70 |
£380 |
|
Edition |
Limited Small Batch |
Extremely Limited Edition |
The Return of a Legendary Bowmore Collection
The original Bowmore Devil’s Casks collection was released between 2013 and 2015, comprising three limited edition expressions that showcased the powerful influence of sherry cask maturation on the distillery's distinctive spirit.
The whiskies became particularly well regarded for their concentrated flavours of dark fruit, treacle, chocolate and spice, balanced by Bowmore's characteristic peat smoke and maritime influence.
The collection's unusual name originates from an old Islay legend involving Bowmore's famous Round Church.
According to local folklore, the devil once entered the church, only to discover that its circular construction offered no corners in which to hide. Pursued by the villagers, he fled into Bowmore Distillery and eventually escaped inside a whisky cask being transported to the Scottish mainland.
The story provided the inspiration for the original collection and remains central to the identity of the two new releases.
More than a decade later, the return of The Devil’s Casks offers whisky enthusiasts an opportunity to revisit this distinctive style, with the 22 Year Old providing an especially significant connection to the original bottlings.
Bowmore The Devil’s Casks 10 Year Old – 2026 Release
10 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky
56.6% ABV | 70cl
Matured in first-fill Oloroso sherry casks and finished in first-fill Pedro Ximénez casks, the new 10 Year Old pays tribute to the bold, intensely sherried character of the original Devil’s Casks releases.
Bowmore Devil’s Casks 10 Year Old Tasting Notes
Nose: Rich dark fruits, syrupy sweetness and ripe apples, accompanied by leather, subtle coastal smoke and warming sherry spice.
Palate: Full-bodied and indulgent, with sticky fruitcake, treacle toffee, dark chocolate and maple syrup. Notes of liquorice and gentle peat smoke develop alongside the sweeter Pedro Ximénez influence.
Finish: Long and warming, with lingering dried fruit, dark cocoa, soft smoke and a final touch of sherry spice.
The 10 Year Old is a particularly appealing release for those who appreciate heavily sherried Islay single malts, combining the richness of European oak maturation with Bowmore's recognisable smoky character.
Bowmore The Devil’s Casks 22 Year Old – 2026 Release
22 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky
59.6% ABV | 70cl
The 22 Year Old has been created from two casks retained during the original Devil's Casks releases, allowing the whisky to mature for approximately another decade before bottling. The second release is a considerably older and rarer expression, offering a direct connection to the original Devil’s Casks collection.
Rather than simply recreating the flavour profile of its predecessors, Bowmore has used whisky from two casks that were set aside during the original releases.
The whisky spent 22 years maturing in first-fill Oloroso and Pedro Ximénez sherry casks before receiving a final finish in refill Oloroso sherry casks.
This extended maturation has produced a deeply concentrated single malt, with the influence of the sherry-seasoned wood balanced by the development of mature oak, fruit and maritime character.
Bottled at a natural cask strength of 59.6% ABV and without chill filtration, the expression retains considerable intensity despite its extended ageing.
Bowmore Devil’s Casks 22 Year Old Tasting Notes
Nose: Mature sherry richness, fragrant orchard fruits, dark treacle and gently charred fruit, accompanied by subtle coastal smoke and seasoned oak.
Palate: Rich and layered, with caramelised fruit, pineapple upside-down cake, dark sweetness and liquorice. Savoury notes of salted oak emerge alongside the distillery's characteristic maritime influence.
Finish: Long, warming and complex, combining lingering treacle, seasoned oak, liquorice and delicate coastal peat smoke.
With its combination of extended sherry maturation, high natural strength and direct connection to the original series, the 22 Year Old is likely to attract particular attention from Bowmore collectors.
Bowmore The Devil's Casks 2026 – Release Dates and Availability
Bowmore has confirmed that the new Devil's Casks collection will begin its release in October 2026.
The 10 Year Old is scheduled for release on 16 October 2026, with a recommended retail price of £70.
The 22 Year Old will follow later in October, with an initial limited allocation process beginning on 31 October 2026. Its recommended retail price is £380.
Both expressions are also scheduled to become available at Bowmore Distillery from 1 December 2026, with further international market releases planned for 2027
