Bowmore Debuts Its Ultimate Rare Collection For 2022

The Bowmore Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky brand recently announced it will introduce a new collection of aged and rare vintages available in the UK at the start of 2022.

The new launches showcase some of the rarest whiskies from this well known distillery. The collection includes the last in the 50-year-old Vaults series, the Bowmore 1969, as well as the 2021 releases of Bowmore 30-year-old and Bowmore 40-year-old.

David Turner, Bowmore’s distillery manager, said in a prepared statement, “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 shape 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.”

More official information on each release can be found below, including tasting notes and pricing. All will be available in the UK starting in January 2022.

The Bowmore 40 Year i part of the 2022 Ultimate Rare Collection (image via Bowmore)

Bowmore 1969 | 46.9% abv | A rarity of the 1960s

The final launch in the 50-year-old vaults series, Bowmore 1969 follows in the footsteps of the 1965, 1966 and 1964 releases. A rare single malt, Bowmore 1969 was nurtured over five decades. During this union between spirit and oak, it became increasingly richer as fruit and smoke flavors remained constant.

This limited edition combines the American oak ex-bourbon barrels and hogsheads, which unlocks several aromas. Fragrant and floral notes contrast with citrus and sweetness to bring rich warmth to this Bowmore single malt whisky.

Bowmore 1969 will retail at £35,000.

Bowmore 30-year-old | 45.1% abv | 2021 annual limited release

Bottled in 2000 from vintage 1989 stock, this rare single malt whisky was nurtured for three decades in Sherry hogsheads and bourbon barrels. Selected from just two casks each year, this single malt embodies the last 30 years at the core of its character.

Bottled at a cask strength of 45.1%, this 30-Year-Old is a celebration of Bowmore’s fruity and subtly smoky style. With a burnished gold natural color, this whisky offers up aromas of ripe apricot, charred pineapple, mango and butterscotch. On the palate, tropical fruits and honey sweetness unite with subtle peat smoke and hints of eucalyptus, ensuring a warming and lingering finish.

Bowmore 30-year-old will retail at £2,000.

Bowmore 40-year-old | 48.7% abv | 2021 annual limited release

Inspired by time and the sea front location of the Bowmore Distillery, the colors and textures of Islay’s ancient stone and bleached driftwood are encompassed within this limited release. This whisky is on a limited run of 159 bottles globally.

Bottled at a cask strength of 48.7%, the 40-Year-Old is a deep mahogany color and offers up aromas of honey, treacle and exotic fruits combined with beeswax and caramel. On the palate, pipe tobacco and chocolate unite with spices, leather, chestnuts, and pralines giving the whisky a long, lingering, and luxurious finish.

Bowmore 40-year-old will retail at £6,750.