Newest High End Bowmore Single Malt Whisky Housed In Washback Box

The Bowmore distillery is known for producing a number of Scotch single malt whiskies that end up destined for high end buyers only, thus leaving most only to appreciate them from afar by reading about them or seeing them in passing in select retail locations. One of the latest in this regard is the recently unveiled Bowmore 1965 Vintage Washback Edition, notable not only for its age but also the history of the wood used for the cabinet that houses it.

The new Bowmore 1965 Vintage Washback Edition, according to those behind it, “features some of the first spirit to pass through Bowmore’s then-new steam heated stills in 1965.” It was then subsequently aged some 52 years in the distillery’s oldest maturation warehouse, No. 1 Vaults, before being bottled at 51.8% ABV.

As is typical of a luxury whisky like this, a portion of the story always falls to the packaging it comes in. Of this Bowmore does not disappoint, particularly in regards to the handcrafted wooden cabinets this release is housed in (only two were crafted). Created by master craftsman John Galvin, the boxes are made from repurposed Oregon pine previously part of Bowmore’s No.1 washback. They are also “inlaid with Sterling silver tree rings to reflect the age of the whisky.”

“Having the opportunity to create these cabinets from the actual materials which have shaped the whisky is a real privilege,” said Galvin in a prepared statement. “From the distinctive aroma embedded in the wood and the incredible patterns created by the spirit, this is an extraordinary way to bring the story of Bowmore to life.”

This Bowmore was made exclusively available at DFS Masters of Wines & Spirits 2020, a global retail travel event known for its showcasing of extremely expensive alcohol. It prices for a little over $43,100 USD and one can find it on display at DFS Changi Airport Terminal 3 in Singapore.

“These two handcrafted masterpieces from John Galvin and team are an utter dream,” added Ed Stening, Global Marketing Director at Beam-Suntory International Global Travel Retail. “That, combined with the iconic Bowmore 1965 really make this the ultimate in collector pieces. We are thrilled to partner with DFS Masters of Wine and Spirits to create two truly unique pieces for the Global Travel Retail collector.”

Official tasting notes from Bowmore with regards to this release are as follows:

• Color: Shimmering amber
• Nose: Fragrant fruits, sweet bees wax and intense dark chocolate
• Taste: Burnt heather, jasmine, dried fruit.
• Finish: Fresh Spring flowers and apricots