This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.
News
Bowmore launches last of 1961 whiskies
Islay distillery Bowmore has launched the final 50 bottles of its 1961 50 Year Old whisky, priced US$23,000, at the same time as launching a new 50-year-old collection.
Bowmore 1961 50 Year Old is priced US$23,000
The whisky is part of a limited collection of just 200 bottles, which have been released globally over the last four years. It was distilled in 1961 and filled into two ex-Bourbon hogshead casks.
The bottle has been hand-blown by glass sculpting studio Glasstorm, while the neck collars and cork tops have been made by Fattorini Silversmiths and the whisky’s wooden presentation cabinet has been crafted by carpenter Peter Toaig.
“This 50 year old Bowmore is yet another wonderful example of the older whiskies that the distillery has matured in our No. 1 Vaults warehouse, right on the shores of Loch Indaal,” said Eddie MacAffer, former master distiller at Bowmore.
“This rare whisky was slowly and expertly distilled using the old coal-fired stills used in Bowmore at that time and was then filled into ex-Bourbon hogshead casks and carefully stored away in the No 1 Vaults.
“Now, the result of all that dedication and care, applied since 1961, is once again ready to be shared. The select people destined to sample the first taste of this special nectar are privileged indeed.”
Bowmore, owned by Beam Suntory, has also announced that this final release of Bowmore 1961 50 Year Old (40.7% abv) is the first in a new six-part range of 50-year-old whiskies from the distillery.
Expressions in the Bowmore 50 Year Old Collection Series will be released annually across the US and Europe. All whiskies in the range will have been aged in Bowmore’s No. 1 Vaults – one of the oldest Scotch maturation warehouses.
“With pride, we distill our spirit and lay it to rest in the No. 1 Vaults, knowing that we can nurture it and wait for it to mature for 20, 30 and certainly even 50 years. This is what we have in the 50 Year Old Collection Series,” said Rachel Barrie, Bowmore master blender.
“Each year, I’ll be looking into the hidden depths of the No. 1 Vaults and revealing a heady liquid gem from the 1960s, certain to make collectors worldwide swoon.”
Last month, Bowmore released Black Bowmore 50 Year Old, The Last Cask – the fifth and final edition of its historic 1964 collection, priced at £16,000.