Bowmore Releases Another Batch Of Half A Century Old Scotch

Editor’s Note: The Whiskey Wash welcomes John Rayls to our writing crew!

Springing from two hogsheads casks found in its legendary Vault #1, Bowmore claims it now has a “truly exceptional” single malt on its hands. Of course, none of this would matter unless you consider a 50 year old single malt whisky laid down in December 1961 and left undisturbed for 50 years to be something worth seeking out.

The Bowmore distillery is found on the island of Islay off the west coast of Scotland and is one of the oldest distilleries in Scotland. Each one of the 200 bottles from this rare release will be selling for approximately £16,000, or around $24,000 USD, and follows on the heels of a similar release earlier last year.

It’s interesting that not only is this rare whisky an incredible work of art, but so also are the bottle and packaging. What’s said to be by the distillery only the finest of Scottish materials were used to create these small vaults of happiness. Each bottle was hand blown by the well known glass sculpting studio, Glasstorm. To fully compliment this unique approach, Fattorini Silversmiths were contracted to create neck collars and cork tops.

Finally, to make this investment truly stand out, each bottle was carefully secured within handmade wooden cabinets created by master carpenter Peter Toaig out of Scottish Elm. Even non-whisky drinkers can admire the craftsmanship of this product.

However, to whisky drinkers the most important part of any whisky purchase is found in the spirit itself. As a 50 year old offering, Bowmore emphasizes the flavor complexity of the whisky. This includes, according to Bowmore, hints of black truffles and tropical fruits all housed within a warm smokey flavor. This leads to the taste of ripe fruits such as papaya, figs pomegranates and even pineapple that could be perceived on the tongue and includes a finish of caramelized pears with a soft background of peat.