Bowmore ARC‑54 – 54 Year Old Iconic Islay Whiskey

Bowmore ARC‑54 – 54 Year Old Iconic Islay Whiskey

Bowmore ARC‑54 is a unique 54-year-old single malt from Islay, created in collaboration with Aston Martin and bottled in extremely limited quantities. Distilled in November 1968 and matured in No1 Vaults with a careful blend of second-fill European sherry casks (61.8%) and third-fill American bourbon hogsheads (38.2%), blended and finished for 15 months. The result is a deep, complex and rich whisky – a monumental tribute to time and craftsmanship.

Specifications:

• Distillery: Bowmore, Islay

• Collaboration: Aston Martin

• Distillation: November 1968

• Age: 54 years (bottled 2023/2024)

• Barrel wood: 61.8% second-fill European sherry butt + 38.2% third-fill American bourbon hogshead

• Post-storage: 15 months

• Alcohol strength: 44.3% ABV

• Bottle size: 70 cl

• Limited edition: Only 130 hand-blown decanters globally.

• Design: Hand-blown carafe inspired by the Aston Martin Valkyrie – magnetic lock and aerodynamic shape

Aroma:

Sweet, syrupy vanilla meets soft butterscotch and buttery cookies, followed by tropical mangoes, ripe peaches, orange zest, toasted oak notes, candied walnuts and a touch of fresh eucalyptus leaves.

Taste:

Rich fruity acidity with green apple, bergamot and lime, lovely depth with salted caramel, delicate floral undertones and warm spices like ginger and cinnamon. A light whisper of Islay smoke ties it all together.

Finish:

Intense, long and silky – characterized by sweet herbs, peated smoke aromas and an almost meditative balance between complexity and calm.