BLACK BOWMORE

1964 Black Bowmore

Distilled in 1964 at Bowmore, one of Scotland’s oldest and most traditional distilleries, located on the remote and beautiful island of Islay. The spirit was filled into oak casks which had previously been used for maturing rich, sweet Oloroso sherry. The casks were transferred to the distillery vaults to mature below sea level and in this truly unique atmosphere the young spirit developed into one of the most incredible whiskies ever produced in Scotland.

The aroma is magical; rich, sherry, cocoa, dark cherries, toffee, chocolate orange and mature oak. The sea spray drifting
in late adding balance and complexity and reminding you of its Celtic heritage. On the palate, the concentration of
flavours is mind boggling. They gently roll over the tounge like waves to the shore. Of the total 5.812 bottles released
in 1993, 1994 and 1995, very few exist today.
In the 2007 4th edition of the Black Bowmore, five Oloroso sherry hogsheads (casks that hold about 250 litres) were
mixed together and released, with only 827 bottles made available.
The 2016 5th and final edition consists of the contents that originated from two other sherry hogshead casks from the
same 'batch' of whisky as the 2007 edition. Most of the whisky in these casks was already released as a 38 year old
(Bowmore Wood Trilogy 3rd edition in 2003).
However, some of that whisky remained in both casks, and was then mixed together and left to mature for a while
longer untill 2014, when it was bottled for the final edition and kept waiting until it's 2016 Halloween unveiling.
Only 159 bottles made available, at £16,000 each.

1964 Black Bowmore
Bottled in 1993, 1994, 1995 and 2016

1964 Black, White & Gold Trilogy
Bottled in 2007, 2008 and 2009

1964 Black Bowmore - 29 Years Old - 50.0%

1964 Distillation
Black Bowmore
29 Years Old

1st Edition

2000 bottles released in 1993
70 cl version

Black Bowmore has been matured in the
original distillery vaults below sea-level
undisturbed until its day of bottling.
Remarkably complex, yet mellow,
Black Bowmore is a superb example of
an Islay whisky matured in sherry butts.

750 ml version (USA)

Below: this was the bottle
in my own collection (70 cl)

1964 Black Bowmore - 30 Years Old - 50.0%

1964 Distillation
Black Bowmore
30 Years Old

2nd Edition

2000 bottles released in 1994
70 cl version

Black Bowmore has been matured
in the original distillery vaults below
sea-level undisturbed until its day of bottling.
Remarkably complex, yet mellow, Black
Bowmore is a superb example of an Islay
whisky matured in sherry butts.

750 ml version (USA)

Below: this was the bottle
in my own collection (70 cl)

1964 Black Bowmore - 31 Years Old - 49.0%

1964 Distillation
Black Bowmore
31 Years Old

3rd and Final Edition

1812 bottles released in 1995

70 cl & 750 ml version (USA)

Black Bowmore has been matured in the original distillery
vaults below sea-level undisturbed until its day of
bottling. Remarkably complex, yet mellow, Black Bowmore
is a superb example of an Islay whisky matured in sherry butts.

750 ml version (USA)

Below: this was the bottle
in my own collection (70 cl)

It was the intention of the distillery to have 2000 bottles released of this 3rd and Final Edition.
But the destinated casks were empty after filling 1812 bottles. However the labels were allready
printed numbered 1 to 2000. Some higher numbers were distributed (f.e. to Germany).
Therefore this bottle has no.1846!

1964 Black Bowmore - 42 Years Old - 40.5%

1964 Distillation
Black Bowmore
42 Years Old
Sherry Cask

Trilogy 1st Edition
(Black Bowmore 4th edition)

827 bottles released in 2007

70 cl & 750 ml version (USA)

Distilled on 5th November 1964, this first instalment
of the Bowmore 1964 Trilogy was carefully filled
into Oloroso sherry casks where it spent the next
four decades and more perfecting its stunning
aroma and palate, and the rich, deep, dark,
almost ebony colour reflected in its name.
Only 827 bottles of Black Bowmore 1964 were
produced, making this an extremely rare and
sought-after bottling.

Tasting notes

On the eye almost ebony. Breathe in exotic fruits,
ginger and cinnamon. Sip hints of ripe mango,
toffee and dark chocolate with the faintest hint of
the smoky Bowmore signature. Savour the luxurious,
creamy and warm finish.

1964 Black Bowmore - 50 Years Old - 40.9%

1964 Distillation
Black Bowmore
50 Years Old
Sherry Cask

The Last Cask
(5th and Final Edition)

159 bottles released in 2016

Black Bowmore 50 Year Old, The Last Cask
to be rediscovered has spent an extraordinary
50 years maturing in the legendary No.1 Vaults,
the world’s oldest Scotch maturation warehouse.

Richly influenced by Oloroso sherry casks, Black
Bowmore 50 Year Old, The Last Cask to be rediscovered
has a deep black pearl darkness. Aromatic peat smoke
is gently complemented by tropical fruits and honeyed
black truffle, offering a complex and captivating depth
of flavour.
Read the article on scotchwhisky.com

The 159 hand-made bottles used for the 5th release
were created using traditional glass-blowing techniques
by Tain-based Glasstorm Studios.
The presentation case, made from Scottish oak with
silver inlays representing the five releases as growth
rings of a tree, was designed and made by Glasgow-
based cabinetmaker John Galvin Design.

It's even got a secret compartment that contains an
extra little vial of the good stuff.

A Legendary Malt

Created under the careful eye of Bowmore’s
craftsmen, including Master Distiller Eddie MacAffer,
Black Bowmore 50 Year Old, the last cask to be
rediscovered is a whisky aged to perfection.

First distilled on 5 November 1964 at the Bowmore
distillery on Islay, over the years this series has
become one of the rarest and most sought-after
single malt whiskies ever created.

Tasting notes

On The Eye: Deep, black pearl darkness.

Breathe in: The senses are awakened to the deep
aromas of soft, sweet, exotic fruits, complemented
perfectly by Bowmore’s renowned gentle peat smoke.

Sip: After 50 years maturing in Bowmore’s legendary
No.1 Vaults, Black Bowmore 50 Year Old, The Last Cask
To Be Rediscovered has developed a sublime elegance
on the palate to reveal notes of tropical fruit including
mango, papaya and pineapple balanced by dam.

Savour: A long, lingering mouth-feel carried by notes
of Bowmore’s native Islay seabreeze.

Distilled in 1964
Black Bowmore
50 Years Old
Sherry Cask

The Last Cask
(5th and Final Edition)

159 bottles released in 2016

750 ml 40.9% alc.vol. (USA)

Black Bowmore Archive Cabinet - 2021

Black Bowmore Archive Cabinet
The perfect collection of all five Black Bowmore from 1993 - 2016

AN EXTRAORDINARY COLLECTION AUCTIONED FOR CHARITY IN PARTNERSHIP WITH SOTHEBY’S
SOLD at 4.375.000 HKD (£420,000) in April, 2021
https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2021/finest-rarest-wines-4/black-bowmore-archive-cabinet-5-bt

An exceptionally rare collection of Black Bowmore single malt, direct from Bowmore distillery on Islay,
housed in a unique handcrafted Cabinet, itself a functioning bar.

Celebrating the pioneering spirit of the distillery and the story of the iconic Black Bowmore, each element of the Archive Cabinet tells a story of time and evolution. From the repurposing of former elements of the distillation process to taking inspiration from colours, textures and patterns witnessed around the distillery and across Islay.

The Cabinet houses five rare bottles of Black Bowmore, bottled between 1993 and 2016
and includes set of solid brass coasters, six hand- made glasses and a water jug.

Proceeds from the auction will go to the ground-breaking
Bowmore Legacy project to support the Islay community.

https://www.bowmore.com/whisky/black-bowmore-archive-cabinet

THE COLLECTION:

A complete distillery owned collection of Black Bowmore from first release to last!

Edition: Released: Age: Bottled: Bottle:

First 1993 29 Years Old 2000 bottles No. 819

Second 1994 30 Years Old 2000 bottles No. 1

Third 1995 31 Years Old 1812 bottles No. 7

Fourth 2007 42 Years Old 827 bottles No. 2

Fifth 2016 50 Years Old 159 bottles No. 72

THE CABINET:

Inspired by the heart and soul of Islay, and the Bowmore distillery itself, the Archive Cabinet connects back to these in every aspect of its creation. Created by master craftsman John Galvin, this is a true piece of history; capturing the people, place and process which has made Bowmore what it is today.

Featuring authentic elements of the distillery itself including:

Original brass spirit safe installed in 1924 used in the production of Black Bowmore and replaced in 2020, after just under a century of use, is used on the exterior and its brass levers act as handles

Washback wood from washback No.1 replaced in 2019 are used for the drawers, with the iron band marking still intact

4 key elements of Bowmore frozen in time: water, barley, Islay peat and wood are captured through solid acrylic pillars

Bespoke glasses, water jug and the glass pillars crafted using the Venetian buttato process in Scotland by artisan glass makers Glasstorm

7 bespoke solid brass coasters designed by John Galvin

A one-off book and sketches set which details the journey of Black Bowmore over its five releases and the creation of the cabinet

THE EXPERIENCE:

As a VIP guest of David Turner, Bowmore Distillery Manager, the buyer (2-4 guests included at the buyer's choice) will be invited to Islay (at their own expense) to enjoy a private guided tour of the distillery, showcasing the ingredients and processes which go into creating the unique taste of Bowmore Single Malt Scotch Whisky. This will reveal the true inspiration for this one-off Archive Cabinet and share the enriching story of Black Bowmore and the Bowmore distillery.

This includes an exclusive tour of the legendary No.1 Vaults, the world’s oldest maturation warehouse that sits on the edge of Loch Indaal. Here guests will enjoy a special cask tasting to discover the magical character of Bowmore direct from the cask. As part of the visit, guests will have unlimited behind the scenes access to the Distillery; exploring all facets of Bowmore Whisky – from the old fashioned floor maltings to the deep dark warehouses.

1964 White Bowmore - 43 Years Old - 42.8%

1964 Distillation
White Bowmore
43 Years Old
Bourbon Cask

Trilogy 2nd Edition

732 bottles released in 2008

70 cl & 750 ml version (USA)

The second in our limited edition 1964 Trilogy series, the White Bowmore was distilled on exactly the same day as the
Black Bowmore, but then filled into bourbon casks, making for a fascinating contrast. Matured for 43 years in our
legendary No. 1 Vaults, the White Bowmore 1964 is infused with light, luscious vanilla tones and has a very subtle
golden hue. Only 732 bottles were produced.

Tasting notes

On the eye golden syrup. Breathe in Gallia melon, mango and papaya. Sip mixed exotic fruits, vanilla and maple
syrup with just a trace of Bowmore peat smoke. Savour the surprisingly clean and incredibly long finish.

1964 Gold Bowmore - 44 Years Old - 40.5%

1964 Distillation
Gold Bowmore
44 Years Old
Fine Oak Cask

Trilogy 3rd Edition

701 bottles released in 2009

70 cl & 750 ml version (USA)

Created from the same hand-crafted spirit as the Black and then White Bowmore, Gold Bowmore 1964 was uniquely matured in three bourbon casks and a single Oloroso cask before being carefully married together. A highly collectible, multi-award winning whisky, just 701 bottles of Gold Bowmore were released, completing the Bowmore 1964 Trilogy.

Tasting notes

On the eye rich gold. Breathe in aromas of passion fruit, papaya and vanilla. Sip ripe exotic fruits, creamy vanilla and a hint of peat smoke. Savour the beautifully balanced yet incredibly complex finish.

Updated 15-02-2024

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