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Bowmore: The Timeless Taste of Islay

Bowmore is a legend among Islay whiskies, celebrated for its perfect balance of peat smoke, maritime influence, and rich fruitiness. As the oldest distillery on Islay, it combines tradition with innovation, aging whisky in the iconic No.1 Vaults. Each sip delivers deep complexity, smooth elegance, and unmistakable character.

The Story of Bowmore Whisky – A Legacy of Craftsmanship

Bowmore’s journey began in 1779, making it the oldest distillery on Islay. Founded by David Simson, it quickly became known for its rich, peaty character. Over the years, the distillery changed hands, with families like the Mutters and Sherriffs shaping its legacy.

Through economic challenges, world wars, and industry shifts, Bowmore remained a symbol of tradition and excellence. Today, it is one of the world’s most collectible single malts, setting records at auctions and partnering with Aston Martin. In 2023, a rare Bowmore bottle sold for €562,500 EUR, proving its timeless value.

How Bowmore Whisky Is Made

Bowmore whisky is crafted with care, tradition, and time-honored techniques. Since 1779, the distillery has perfected its process, ensuring every bottle delivers rich complexity.

It starts in the malt barn, where barley is turned by hand to develop its character. The kiln then dries the barley over Islay peat, infusing it with Bowmore’s signature smoky depth. Next, the Porteus Malt Mill grinds the barley into grist, which is mixed with hot water in the Mash Tun, unlocking deep malty flavors.

Fermentation takes place in Oregon Pine Washbacks, followed by distillation in copper stills, where only the finest cut is selected. And last, the whisky matures in the No.1 Vaults, developing layers of smoke, salt, citrus, and spice—creating the bold, timeless taste that defines Bowmore.

Bowmore Whisky Bottle Selection – A Timeless Collection

Bowmore whisky is crafted with time-honored techniques, using the finest ingredients and Islay’s natural elements. Its signature balance of rich peat smoke, tropical fruit, and maritime notes creates a smooth yet complex flavor. Every bottle offers a luxurious and unforgettable experience.

Bowmore Core Range

Bowmore has refined its core range over the years, offering whisky lovers a journey through time and craftsmanship. The previous lineup featured classics like Bowmore Warehouse No. 1 Vaults, a bourbon-cask tribute to the legendary No. 1 Vaults, and the Bowmore 12 Years Old, known for its honeyed citrus and signature Islay peat. The Bowmore 15 Years Old brought rich sherry sweetness, while the Bowmore 18 Years Old delivered deep caramel and dried fruit.

Now, the core range has evolved with three new standout expressions:

Each bottle reflects Bowmore’s dedication to tradition, craftsmanship, and the perfect marriage of peat, cask influence, and time. Value ranging from €110 to €500 EUR.

Bowmore's Travel Exclusive Series

If you love collecting or discovering rare bottles while traveling, Bowmore’s Travel Exclusive series is a must-see. Designed for duty-free markets, these sought-after releases showcase the distillery’s signature smoky, maritime style with rich, well-aged complexity.

The Bowmore 1997 Frankfurt Travellers Edition Cask Nr. 32477, last sold for €444 EUR, is a 22-year-old masterpiece bottled in 2020 at 52.6% ABV. It delivers intense layers of peat smoke, dark fruits, and warming spice in a classic 700ml bottle. The Bowmore 17 Years Old White Sands, priced at €116 EUR, was bottled in 2014 at 43% ABV. This whisky captures Islay’s coastal essence with a smooth balance of peat, seaweed, and a touch of sherry sweetness. These bottles are among the most popular in the series, offering collectors and travelers a true taste of Bowmore’s legendary craftsmanship.

Bowmore Early 2000s Editions

In the early 2000s, Bowmore pushed boundaries with releases like Claret, Dawn, Dusk, Legend, and the 17-Year-Old. These limited editions experimented with wine, port, and bourbon cask finishes, adding a new dimension to Bowmore’s signature smoky style.

The Bowmore 17 Year Old, last sold for €97 EUR, is a smooth, well-balanced dram with hints of peat, citrus, and oak. The Bowmore Claret Bordeaux Wine Casked, priced at €788 EUR, brings bold red fruit notes with a smoky finish. The Bowmore Legend, last sold for €44 EUR, is a classic, easy-drinking malt. The Bowmore Dawn, priced at €345, showcases rich port influences, while the Bowmore Dusk Bordeaux Wine Casked, available for €330 EUR, delivers deep berry sweetness. These bottles remain some of the most sought-after from Bowmore’s early experiments.

Bowmore 25 Years Old

Bowmore 25 Years Old is a testament to the distillery’s expertise in long aging. Crafted with patience and precision, it matures in sherry and bourbon casks, developing deep, complex flavors. This release stands out for its perfect balance of peat, oak, and sweetness, making it a favorite among collectors. The Bowmore 25 Year Old pre-2013, available for €350 EUR, delivers rich sea salt and ripe fruit notes. The Bowmore 25 Years Old The Distillers Anthology 01 refines Islay’s signature smoke with a smooth finish. The Bowmore 25 Years Old Feis Ile Collection Claret, last sold for €774 EUR, offers luxurious depth, blending smoky richness with elegant sweetness.

Bowmore No Corners to Hide

A collaboration with artist Frank Quitely, Bowmore No Corners to Hide brings Islay’s myths to life through whisky. This limited-edition series, aged in sherry and bourbon casks, showcases Bowmore’s expertise in both storytelling and whisky-making, making these bottles highly desirable for collectors.

The Bowmore 23 Year Old No Corners to Hide which priced at €431 EUR, delivers bold flavors of peat smoke, sea salt, and ripe fruit at 51.5% ABV, bottled in 2021. Meanwhile, the Bowmore 32 Year Old No Corners to Hide takes the experience further with deeper smokiness, maritime notes, and rich fruit, aged for over three decades. At 47.3% ABV, it’s a rare gem for true whisky lovers for the price of €1,815 EUR.

Bowmore Laimrig Batch

Honoring Islay’s maritime heritage, Bowmore Laimrig Batch gets its name from the Scots Gaelic word for "pier." This cask-strength whisky matured in bourbon barrels before finishing in sherry butts, creating a bold and flavorful balance of peat, fruit, and spice.

The Bowmore Laimrig Batch 2, last sold for €202 EUR, offers 54.4% ABV with deep peat smoke, ripe fruit, and warming spice for a long, rich finish. The Bowmore Laimrig Batch 3, available for €160 EUR, is slightly softer at 53.7% ABV, blending seaweed, sweet fruit, and smoky depth. You can get this selection up to Batch 1 to 4 in Spritory.

Bowmore Hand-Filled at the Distillery

Bowmore Hand-Filled at the Distillery offers a rare opportunity to bottle whisky straight from the cask. Each release reflects Bowmore’s craftsmanship, with unique variations in flavor and strength.

The Bowmore 1997 Hand-Filled, bottled in 2013 and aged 16 years, delivers rich peat smoke and deep complexity. The Bowmore 2009 Hand-Filled, bottled in 2017 at 59.7% ABV, balances Islay’s signature smokiness with hints of Atlantic sea air. The Bowmore 2016 Hand-Filled, last sold for €245 EUR, is 7 years old with a potent 61.0% ABV, offering layers of smoke and refined depth.

Bowmore Small Batch Release

When you want a whisky that balances smoothness with complexity, the Bowmore Small Batch Release stands out. This series blends bourbon cask aging with Islay’s signature peat smoke, offering a rich and layered experience.

If well-aged whisky is what you’re after, the Bowmore 25 Year Old Small Batch priced at €320 EUR delivers ripe fruit, warming spice, and a lingering finish after decades of careful maturation. Prefer something bolder? The Bowmore Tempest No. 6 brings intense peat smoke, maritime influence, and deep complexity worth €158 EUR. For robust character, Bowmore Tempest No. 5 is a choice, bottled at 55.9% ABV with layers of rich flavor last sold for €81 EUR.

Bowmore BW Elements of Islay

If you appreciate the traditions of Islay whisky-making, the Bowmore BW Elements of Islay collection is well worth exploring. Each bottle showcases Bowmore’s mastery, blending signature peat smoke with maritime influence and sherry cask depth.

Among the standout releases, the Bowmore BW7 Elements of Islay, aged 16 years and bottled at 53.2% ABV, is valued at €218 EUR and delivers bold character with remarkable complexity. Craving even more intensity? The Bowmore BW6 Elements of Islay, at 55.2% ABV and worth €125 EUR, offers deep smoky notes with the unmistakable depth Bowmore is known for. For those who enjoy a balance of peat, salt, and sweetness, the Bowmore BW5 Elements of Islay, priced at €244 EUR and bottled at 50.2% ABV, presents a beautifully rounded flavor. These collections are available at Spiritory.

Bowmore 1964 Trilogy

For a whisky that defines rarity and prestige, the Bowmore 1964 Trilogy is unmatched. These legendary bottles highlight the pinnacle of long-aged whisky, making them prized additions for serious collectors.

The Bowmore 1964 Fino Cask, aged in Fino sherry casks, brings together peat smoke, maritime salinity, and delicate sweetness. This exceptional whisky, valued at €43,440 EUR, is a true centerpiece for any collection. If deep, dark flavors are what you seek, the Bowmore 1964 Black, matured for five decades in Oloroso sherry casks, delivers rich notes of dark fruits, chocolate, and refined smokiness. Its last recorded sale at €40,900 EUR underscores its exclusivity.

For bourbon-aged whisky lovers, the Bowmore 1964 White, matured for 43 years, offers smooth vanilla, tropical fruit, and an elegant balance. This exquisite bottle last sold for €20,166 EUR, proving its status as a must-have for whisky enthusiasts. Finally, the Bowmore 1964 Gold, aged for 44 years, unfolds layers of ripe fruit, honeyed sweetness, and gentle Islay smoke. With a price matching its unparalleled craftsmanship, its prestige is undeniable.

Bowmore Vintner’s Trilogy

When you want whisky with a unique influence, the Bowmore Vintner’s Trilogy is an excellent choice. This limited-edition series highlights the** beauty of wine cask maturation**, merging Islay’s signature peat smoke with rich fruit and spice.

For bold red fruit flavors and warming spice, the Bowmore 26 Year Old The Vintner'S Trilogy - French Oak Barrique bottled in 2017 truly stands out. Aged in wine casks, this rare release is available for €418 EUR. If you’re drawn to a touch of sweetness balanced with oak, the Bowmore 27 Year Old The Vintner'S Trilogy - Port Cask delivers ripe berries, sweet spice, and gentle wood influence, with a last recorded sale price of €391 EUR. Now, if you want something elegant, the Bowmore 18 Year Old The Vintner'S Trilogy - Manzanilla Cask offers dark fruits, fine oak, and a subtle hint of sea salt for added complexity.

Bowmore Devil’s Cask Series

If bold flavors and legendary tales capture your interest, the Bowmore Devil’s Cask Series deserves your attention. Inspired by an old Islay legend of the Devil escaping in a whisky cask, this collection is aged exclusively in first-fill sherry casks, resulting in deep smokiness, rich spice, and intense character.

For a whisky packed with power and intensity, the Bowmore The Devil’s Casks - Small Batch Release III released in 2015 is a standout. It delivers layers of dried fruit, dark chocolate, and lingering peat. The last recorded sale price was €269 EUR. If you want something slightly younger but equally bold, the Bowmore 10 Year Old The Devil’s Casks - Small Batch Release offers a smoky finish with ripe fruit and dark chocolate at 56.9% ABV. For a more budget-friendly option, the Bowmore 10 Years Old Inspired by Devil’s Casks Series carries a tag of €137 EUR, balancing sherry sweetness with Islay’s signature peat smoke.

Bowmore Aston Martin Edition

Bowmore Deep & Complex – Aston Martin Edition

Bottled in 2023, the Bowmore 18 Year Old Deep & Complex - Aston Martin Edition 9 features notes of dried fruit, dark chocolate, and soft smoke tag at €178 EUR. If you prefer a smooth yet complex profile, the Bowmore 18 Year Old Deep & Complex - Aston Martin Edition 6, released in 2022, delivers a refined balance of sherry sweetness and oak spice at 43% ABV. For collectors seeking a standout bottle, Bowmore 18 Year Old Deep & Complex - Aston Martin Edition 3 bottled in 2021 and priced at €294 EUR, delivers layers of toffee, citrus, and peat

Bowmore Golden & Elegant – Aston Martin Edition

For something brighter and more refined, the Bowmore Golden & Elegant – Aston Martin Edition is an excellent addition. Aged in bourbon casks, this series highlights citrus, honey, and a touch of peat smoke. If you’re after something richer, the Bowmore Golden & Elegant – Aston Martin Edition Edition 5, released in 2022 for €157 EUR, enhances these flavors with layers of ripe fruit, delicate spice, and a long, refined finish.

At Spiritory, you can get different editions of Aston Martin Edition bottles that you can add in your collection.

Bowmore Master Selection

Bowmore Master Selection is a collaboration between Bowmore and Aston Martin, blending aged single malts to reflect precision, innovation, and tradition. Crafted with expertise, these limited-edition whiskies combine the richness of sherry influence with Bowmore’s signature Islay peat, making them a must-have for collectors.

The Bowmore 22 Year Old Masters Selection Aston Martin 2022, priced at 506 EUR, delivers complex depth with peaty richness, bottled at 51.5% ABV. The Bowmore 22 Year Old Masters Selection Aston Martin 2023, available for €421 EUR, balances maritime smoke with ripe fruit and oak, at 51.0% ABV. For a truly refined experience, the Bowmore 21 Year Old Masters Selection 2021, priced at €606 EUR, offers deep smokiness and layered complexity, bottled at 51.8% ABV. Each bottle is a testament to Bowmore’s legendary craftsmanship.

What is Bowmore Whisky Most Expensive Bottle

The most expensive Bowmore whisky ever sold at auction is the Bowmore Stac 55-Year-Old 1962, which fetched £450,000 in October 2023. This rare release highlights Bowmore’s dedication to crafting some of the world’s most sought-after aged single malts.

On Spiritory, the priciest Bowmore available is the Bowmore ARC 52 – Aston Martin, priced at €141,505 EUR. Aged for 52 years in American oak and sherry casks, it delivers a perfect blend of Islay smoke, ripe fruit, and spice. Bottled at 42.3% ABV, it comes in a futuristic decanter designed by Aston Martin, making it a must-have for collectors seeking luxury and innovation in a single malt.

Bowmore Legend Limited Edition: A Collector’s Treasure

For whisky lovers who appreciate both history and craftsmanship, the Bowmore Legend Limited Edition series is a true gem. Released between 1994 and 2006, this collection pays tribute to Islay’s folklore, combining unique packaging with exceptional whisky.

Each bottle tells a different story while maintaining Bowmore’s signature smooth, peaty character. The Bowmore Legend Limited Edition: Princess Giant, last sold for €175 EUR, was aged in bourbon casks and offers a delightful mix of vanilla, citrus, and soft peat smoke. The Bowmore Legend Limited Edition: Sea Dragon, bottled in 2003 at 40.0% ABV, brings a bold yet elegant profile with rich Islay aromas and a refined finish.

Other rare releases like The Phantom Horseman, The Laird and The Angel, and The Heroes Return are also available on Spiritory. Whether you're a collector or simply love discovering unique releases, this series is worth exploring.

Bowmore 50 Years Old 1969

Some whiskies stand out as masterpieces of time and patience. The Bowmore 50 Years Old 1969 is one of them. Distilled in 1969 and matured in sherry casks, this ultra-rare release is the pinnacle of Bowmore’s craftsmanship.

Bottled at 46.9% ABV, it unveils deep layers of dried fruit, warm spice, dark chocolate, and signature Islay peat smoke, all wrapped in a velvety texture. The long, lingering finish carries hints of oak and maritime notes. Priced at €38,507 EUR for a 700ml bottle, this whisky delivers a once-in-a-lifetime tasting experience for those who appreciate true excellence.

Bowmore Springtide Limited Edition

If you're drawn to whiskies with bold character, the Bowmore Springtide Limited Edition won’t disappoint. Aged in first-fill sherry casks, this release captures the power of Islay’s tides, blending intense dark fruit, spice, rich oak, and signature peat smoke.

Bottled in 2012, each sip reveals layers of dried berries, cinnamon, and smoky warmth, followed by a long, satisfying finish. Priced at €316 EUR, this limited edition showcases Bowmore’s ability to balance sherry richness with Islay’s unmistakable character.

Bowmore The Changeling

A whisky born from tradition and storytelling, Bowmore The Changeling is an intriguing collaboration with artist Frank Quitely. Aged in first-fill Oloroso and ex-white port casks, it offers a rich mix of dark fruit, spice, and Islay smoke.

The Bowmore 22 Years Old The Changeling, bottled in 2022 at 51.2% ABV and sold for €282, delivers notes of peat smoke, salty sea air, ripe fruit, and dark chocolate, leading to a long, complex finish. Meanwhile, the Bowmore 33 Years Old The Changeling, bottled at 48.7% ABV, takes the experience further with deep smoky notes, hints of seaweed, and a refined coastal character.

What is the Most Cheapest Bowmore Whisky

For an excellent balance of quality and price, Bowmore 12 Years Old is a top choice. At around €30-€42 EUR, it delivers smooth peat smoke, citrus, and honey flavors. Aged in bourbon and sherry casks, it offers a refined taste of Islay without the premium price tag.

Is Bowmore a Good Investment

Bowmore is a solid choice for those who appreciate both quality and long-term value. While its prices haven't skyrocketed like some other brands, they’ve seen a steady rise over the years. Rare releases, such as the Bowmore Stac 55-Year-Old 1962, which fetched £450,000, and the Bowmore ARC 52 – Aston Martin, priced at €141,505, highlight its strong market appeal. Even more accessible editions tend to hold their value, thanks to Bowmore’s rich legacy and commitment to craftsmanship.

Cask Discovery Warehouse Tasting – A Rare Whisky Experience

Bowmore is known for its high-quality, luxurious whiskies, but it also offers an unforgettable experience for its fans. Step inside the legendary No.1 Vaults, where Bowmore whisky matures by the shores of Loch Indaal.During this exclusive tasting, you’ll sample cask strength whiskies straight from the barrel, each sip revealing deep and complex flavors. At the end, you’ll take home a 100ml cask sample as a keepsake.

This experience does not include a distillery tour. Arrive 10 minutes early to check in. Booking in advance is recommended as spots fill fast. Driver’s drams are available for take-home enjoyment.

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Bowmore is a premium single malt Scotch whisky from Islay, Scotland. Known for its rich heritage and meticulous craftsmanship, Bowmore balances peat smoke, maritime influence, and deep complexity. Each bottle reflects generations of tradition, offering whisky lovers a refined yet powerful taste of Islay’s legendary whisky-making legacy.

Bowmore’s signature flavor combines smoky peat, sea salt, and tropical fruit, creating a bold yet balanced profile. Notes of citrus, honey, and dark chocolate complement its rich depth, while a subtle sweetness softens the intensity. The finish lingers with warm spice and oak, making it a timeless Islay classic.

Enjoy Bowmore neat to savor its full complexity or add a few drops of water to unlock hidden layers of flavor and aroma. Ice is discouraged, as it can dilute the whisky’s depth. A thoughtfully paired whisky glass enhances the experience, allowing you to fully appreciate Bowmore’s signature Islay character.