Bowmore unveils ‘ultimate’ whisky collection

Islay Scotch whisky Bowmore has revealed the ‘ultimate’ rare whisky collection for 2022, including a 1969 bottling priced at £35,000 (US$47,700).

The new collection will be available in the UK from the start of next year. It will include the 50-year-old Bowmore 1969 and the exclusive 2021 releases of Bowmore 30-Year-Old and Bowmore 40-Year-Old.

Bowmore 1969 sits at 46.9% ABV and was the final launch in the brand’s Vaults series. The single malt was matured in American oak ex-Bourbon barrels and hogsheads. Tasting notes include fragrant and floral aromas, with citrus and sweetness.

Meanwhile, the brand’s 40-Year-Old (48.7% ABV) was created as a limited edition run of 159 bottles. It will retail for £6,750 (US$9,204).

The nose is likened to treacle, exotic fruits and beeswax, leading to pipe tobacco, chocolate and leather on the palate.

The 30-year-old was bottled in 2000 from vintage 1989 stocks at an ABV of 45.1%. It was matured in Sherry hogsheads and Bourbon barrels, and will retail for £2,000 (US$2,700).

The whisky is said to have ripe apricot and charred pineapple notes on the nose, leading to tropical fruits and honey on the palate.

David Turner, Bowmore distillery manager, said: “These exquisite, aged and rare launches are a credit to the Bowmore portfolio and continue to drive our desire to produce highly revered products.

“We have been able to showcase how vital time is to each individual vintage, how time spent in casks shapes and influences each spirit, making it even more characterful.

“Each release tells the rich stories of Bowmore, but importantly have their own unique style and character.”

In July this year, the brand revealed a trio of limited edition bottle designs for the global travel retail channel as part of its collaboration with Aston Martin.

Furthermore, earlier this year a complete collection of Black Bowmore whiskies sold for US$563,000 at a Sotheby’s sale, setting a new record for the brand at auction.