Bowmore Masters’ Selection Unites Worlds Of Whisky Making, Automotive Design

Bowmore Masters’ Selection was recently announced as the first single malt whisky to be made by Bowmore Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky in collaboration with Aston Martin.

The new limited-edition single malt whisky combines what’s described as the mastery of the Aston Martin Chief Creative Officer and Bowmore’s Master Whisky Blender. These two, Bowmore Master Whisky Blender Ron Welsh and Aston Martin Executive Vice President and Chief Creative Officer Marek Reichman, bridged two distinct worlds in working on this.

For Reichman, he is a believer in something called the Golden Ratio, which is said to be a mathematical ratio found in nature that creates aesthetically pleasing compositions. 

“Proportionality defines every precise detail of designing an Aston Martin. We are constantly striving to achieve the Golden Ratio; the optimal of proportions,” Reichman said in a prepared statement. “And it is this force which guides the creation of absolute beauty. To achieve this, we must combine our skill, passion and experience. Coming together with Ron just brings a whole new perspective on this and is hugely inspiring and enlightening. This whisky perfectly and harmoniously brings us together to create a beautiful, yet powerful equilibrium.”

The whisky, following this concept, incorporates the proportion of 61.8% formed from a base of 21-year-old Bowmore matured in first fill Pedro Ximenez and Oloroso sherry casks. The remaining parts are made up of exact ratios of each other, in line with the Golden Ratio theory, and include what’s described as exceptionally aged Bowmore matured for over 35 years. 

“For the first time with this whisky, we have adopted the Golden Ratio to inspire each of the elements bringing their own unique flavours and selecting the optimal casks to forge the desired character, taking inspiration from Marek and his team,” Welsh said. “What seems totally contrasting is, in fact, perfectly balanced and proportionate. Working with Marek has given me a new lens from which to explore whisky making.  This whisky serves as a celebration of our unified knowledge and experience; our shared passions, values and ideas.” 

Bowmore Masters’ Selection is available in key global markets including UK, Germany, Canada, USA and China at an RSP of US$300 (ex VAT/duty) from this month onwards. Limited official tasting notes make mention that “powerful yet elegant; from sweet to spice; sherry to coffee; honey to pepper – the perfect proportions to achieve absolute depth and balance.”