Sotheby’s to auction Bowmore ARC-54: Iridos Edition
Islay distillery Bowmore has created a one-off Iridos Edition of its ARC-54 whisky, which has an auction estimate of £140,000-£220,000 (US$180,000-US$300,000).
ARC-54 launched last month as the second release in the Scotch whisky brand’s collaboration with Aston Martin. It featured a 54-year-old whisky inside a handblown decanter inspired by Aston Martin’s Valkyrie.
The Iridos Edition is a one-of-a-kind release. It features liquid drawn from three cask types: a 1967 European oak butt, a 1968 Sherry butt and a 1968 American oak hogshead.
The mid to late 1960s is referred to as Bowmore’s ‘golden era’, during which Black Bowmore was distilled.
Jonny Fowle, Sotheby’s global head of whisky and spirits, said: “This marks the second partnership between Sotheby’s and Bowmore to offer at auction a completely unique version of their Aston Martin ARC collaboration.
“The ARC-54 Iridos not only features its distinctive iridescent lid, complementing the aerodynamic Aston Martin design, but within the bottle itself is an individual whisky so rare that only one bottle has been made available for sale.
“In the past few years, Bowmore have consistently achieved the highest results for unique bottles combining age, rarity, vintage specificity and stunning design, so it’s a special moment for us to be entrusted once again with their latest creation.”
The whisky’s decanter is based on the Valkyrie, but unlike the standard ARC-54, it features an iridescent titanium top. This is created using the same process applied to the Aston Martin Valkyrie’s exhaust system.
Milled from a single billet of titanium, it was subjected to extreme changes in temperature to create the unique iridescent look.
The Iridos Edition follows the one-of-a-kind Bowmore ARC-52 Mokume Edition, which Sotheby’s auctioned in 2023.
Bidding will be open from 15 to 29 May. All proceeds will benefit the communities supporting Suntory Global Spirits’ distilleries in Scotland.
Calum Fraser, chief blender at Bowmore, said: “This is a whisky that tells a rich and captivating story, beginning in the definitive era of Bowmore and taking shape over more than half a century.
“In bringing together some of our oldest and rarest whiskies, we showcase not only the infinite layers of flavour achievable in Bowmore but the sheer excellence of just how our spirit excels in cask over time.
“The intensity of the tropical fruits, together with indulgently rich sweetness, is truly enticing and makes for the most intriguing and inspired partner for this incredible decanter.”
Related news
Johnnie Walker enters ‘new era of luxury Scotch’
