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1955 DISTILLATION
The crafting of the spirit
It was an unremarkable
clear and sunny morning on the 22nd of November 1955, when this spirit was
poured into its oak cask. The Gulf stream that warms the sea off Islay
took the edge off the brisk breeze that blew from the West over the
Atlantic swell. These same waters of Loch Indaal still pound the walls of
Bowmore Distillery on the Hebridean Island of Islay, and seep through to
the maturation vaults deep below, imparting the unique character to its
Malt Whisky.
For four decades this
remarkable whisky has lain in the same silent dark vaults and for twenty
years the whisky breathed deep through its bourbon hogshead oak cask and
matured becoming rich in colour and warm and subtle in flavour. Then,
after transfer to a carefully selected sherry butt, it was once again laid
to rest in the same vaults for a further two decades under the care of the
men of Bowmore Distillery. Seven distillery managers carefully monitored
its maturation and followed its progress to its ultimate bottling at cask
strength.
The spirit of craftmanship
This unique Bowmore, 40
Years Old, 1955 Vintage, Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky is a celebration
of the skills of the Master Craftsman. The whisky is finally presented in
a manner which reflects similar care and attention to detail and, once
again, continues to honour the art and the tradition of such skills. This
hand crafted glass decanter has been individually blown, hand cut and
engraved by the artists of Caithness Glass, Scotland. Each decanter is
individually numbered and has been created to reflect images of the
traditional Bowmore bottle. The individual oak presentation case has been
hand made by the Master Cabinet Makers of Charles Kirkby & Sons,
Sheffield, England. Their world renowned skills have ensured that this
extremely rare whisky has a final resting place worthy of such a unique
pedigree. Only 306 limited edition decanters were produced, 12 of these
were kept at the Bowmore distillery, and were used for tasting.
Tasting note
Its colour is bronze with
warm gold highlights. Its body is velvety soft and smooth and amazingly
light for such a mature whisky. The nose is wave after wave of soft fruit
with lighter unhurried oak and peat notes adding to the complexity. On the
palate it is astonishingly fruity, due to the double wood maturation.
However its true Hebridean characteristics become more evident towards the
finish. A finish which is delayed, initially very gentle and then it
happensand all the warmth of Islay comes alive.
1957 DISTILLATION
It was on a mid-winter’s
day, 14 January 1957, when this bottle of Bowmore began its special
journey to maturation. New distilled spirit was poured into oak casks,
much the same as any other day at Bowmore Distillery. However, the spirit
within casks numbered 216-220 was to become special.
Bowmore’s Distillery
Manager nurtured and monitored this spirit through the years, as with all
casks of Bowmore, waiting for the day when he knew the whisky was at its
prime. Over time, the spirit rested quietly in the No.1 Vaults of Bowmore
Distillery, breathing in the fresh sea air and developing its unique
Bowmore personality.
Ten, twenty, thirty years
passed by and still the spirit in those five casks wished to slumber. Its
brothers had long since matured. The Distillery Manager knew that
something unique was developing in the casks and kept a careful vigil over
them. However, in its thirty eighth year, the spirit was found sitting
just above the critical 40% alcoholic volume strength for ScotchWhisky and
so he moved with haste to have the whisky bottled. If he had waited a
moment longer, the whisky would have become extinct, and a piece of
history wiped out forever.
The precious spirit was
soon bottled and placed in this handmade oak presentation case, carefully
crafted by the Master Cabinet Makers of Charles Kirkby & Sons, Sheffield,
England.
This unique autumnal
coloured Bowmore should be given time in the glass to open up, time for
the Bowmore character to release itself. To preserve every last drop of
character in this fine whisky, we decided not to chill filter it. Should
water be added, it may alter in appearance, acquiring a natural soft haze.
As one of only 861 bottles
ever produced, this bottle of Bowmore 1957, aged Thirty Eight Years, is a
true gem in the Bowmore family.
Tasting note
The colour of autumn leaves, this full bodied malt
whisky which had gained great character from its 'Big Sleep' on Islay.
Forest wood and sweet fruits are suggested on nosing, with just a trace of
peat. Its Islay character is more evident on the palate as is the sea
salt, which clings to the lips. Layers of caramel, soft fruit and dried
apples are there.
Give this exquisite malt whisky time to open up and
enjoy the gentle, elegant finish that seemingly goes on forever - an
incredible Islay experience.
1964 DISTILLATION
The
incredible story
Introducing the
magnificent Bowmore 1964... one of the rarest and finest Single Malt
Scotch Whiskies ever to be released onto the U.K. market. It's a 35 year
old of ethereal quality from a single exceptional cask.
A mere 99 bottles were
produced, 4 have been retained as Bowmore museum stock and the remaining
95 were only available through Oddbins. Each bottle has been individually
numbered and signed by Distillery Manager, Islay Campbell, and was
accompanied by a 5cl sample miniature.
5cl sample
 42.1%vol.
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