Bowmore & Aston Martin Unveil Bowmore ARC-54 – Scotch Whisky News
Bowmore & Aston Martin Unveil Bowmore ARC-54
• Designed by Aston Martin and featuring one of the oldest Bowmore whiskies.
• Bowmore ARC-54; the pinnacle, and final release in the groundbreaking ARC Series
Bowmore® and Aston Martin have unveiled the second, and final, release in their groundbreaking ARC Series, Bowmore ARC-54. A pinnacle in the story of the partnership, this striking creation unites a truly rare 54-year-old whisky from Bowmore distillery with a remarkable handblown decanter inspired by the cutting-edge design of the Aston Martin Valkyrie hypercar.
Distilled in November 1968, this rare and remarkable spirit pays homage to the fact that our single malt excels with time in cask, aging like no other to capture the definitive multi-dimensional character of Bowmore. This whisky is the culmination of 54 years of maturation, latterly spent in a 2nd Fill European Oak Sherry Butt and 3rd Fill American Oak Hogshead within the hallowed walls of the No.1 Vaults. Inspired by the Golden Ratio with 61.8% European Oak aged spirit and 38.2% American Oak aged spirit, before the two parts united for 15 months. The resulting whisky encapsulates infinite layers of flavour to captivate every sense, fully immersing the drinker in the depth of character.
Each handblown decanter takes inspiration from the F1-inspired aerodynamic exterior of the Aston Martin Valkyrie hypercar, including the full-length venturi tunnels that contribute to in the region of 1,100 kg of downforce, and the natural fluid forms of the terroir of Islay. Emanating from the design direction and principles of an Aston Martin, Bowmore ARC-54 is sculpted with precision, creating a striking sense of flow in its lines and styling. The shape is defined by these fluid aerodynamics and showcase the shared philosophy through the diffuser inspired glass sculpture to enhance the flowing reflections of the whisky within.
Speaking on the new Bowmore ARC-54 release, Dr. Calum Fraser, Chief Blender, Bowmore said,
“A Bowmore as exquisite and complex as this 54-year-old is a testament to the skills of our distillery team, but also the very embodiment of what can be achieved simply by slowing down, standing still and letting things unfold as they are destined to. This rare creation truly demonstrates just how Bowmore ages exceptionally over time, with unmatched precision and clarity. As guardians of this spirit, we strive to harness the power of the past in every drop that we create – whilst constantly reimagining Bowmore for the next generation that will experience our whiskies.”
Marek Reichman, Executive Vice President and Chief Creative Officer, Aston Martin comments:
“Bowmore ARC-54 continues the cutting edge, technology-based collaboration between two exceptional brands that are steeped in heritage and tradition. It embodies the innovative thinking that we apply to Valkyrie and Valhalla, our mid-engined sports cars. Both of these cars push the boundaries ARC-54 decanter, similar principles of materiality and fluid dynamics are employed, replacing air flow for liquid movement to create a uniquely formed shape generated by the pure movement of Bowmore whisky. A truly creative collaboration.”
With only 130 decanters available globally, Bowmore ARC-54 is a multi-dimensional flavour experience. Zesty citric tones and delicate floral notes flow together with salty caramel sweetness, spiced ginger and cinnamon – with a signature whisper of peat smoke. Housed in an individually handmade decanter that reflects the two brands’ shared mindset when it comes to craftsmanship, the streamlined bottle design takes inspiration from both the flow of air underneath the iconic Aston Martin Valkyrie hypercar, and the natural fluid forms of the landscapes and terroir of Islay.
Bowmore ARC-54 will be available from selected stockists worldwide as of April 3rd, 2025.
Price available on request.
Tasting notes
ON THE EYE: Spun gold
BREATHE IN: Alluring sweet, syrupy vanilla merges with soft butterscotch and buttery shortbread, then gives way to tropical mango and sweet peach notes, before welcoming subtle hints of orange zest, toasted oak, candied walnuts and finely chopped eucalyptus mint.
TASTE: Led by rich fruity sweetness giving a depth of expressive character, it is freshly cut green apple, delicate citric tones of bergamot orange and lime juice that provide the opening act to taste. Flavours of salted caramel are complimented by floral notes as warming spices of ginger and sweet cinnamon lead to a gentle crescendo of whispering peat smoke.
SAVOUR: Intense yet lavish, long and smooth with sweet, herbal and peated character.
ABOUT BOWMORE®
For over 240 years, Bowmore distillery has stood on the shores of Lochindaal. Here facing the wild Atlantic Ocean, is home to the legendary No.1 Vaults and the mysterious alchemy within. We are more than an Islay distillery. We are the oldest distillery here.
Since 1779, we’ve been harnessing time in the creation of our exceptional Bowmore whiskies. This time has enabled us to hone our skills and make intentional choices. This means at Bowmore we can unlock the depth and breadth of multidimensional character.
From the careful and intentional ethos at the heart of the Bowmore distillery, every step and stage of the process is considered. We put flavour first. From floor maltings and peat smoke drying, to the long fermentation and slow distillation. The result of this precise and measured approach can be seen in the distinct flavours that Bowmore is famous for. A truly multidimensional whisky always promising more layers of flavour.
Every bottle of Bowmore celebrates our ability to mature with excellence, aging like no other to capture the definitive expressive character of Bowmore. Over time, our spirit evolves perfectly in cask, creating an enviable inventory of maturing stock and enabling an iconic archive of releases.
Our signature; a remarkably expressive character. We are defined by rich and fruity flavours with a smouldering complexity. Each sip of Bowmore is truly captivating. It beckons you, holding your full attention, pulling you into the present moment. This is the uniquely mesmerising magic which always reveals more, in every moment, in every sip. From flavour to flair, there is always more in the glass and in the moment.
www.bowmore.com
About Suntory Global Spirits
As a world leader in premium spirits, Suntory Global Spirits inspires the brilliance of life, by creating rich experiences for people, in harmony with nature. Known for its craftsmanship of premium whiskies, including Jim Beam® and Maker’s Mark®; Japanese whiskies, including Yamazaki®, Hakushu®, Hibiki® and Toki™; and leading Scotch brands including Laphroaig® and Bowmore®, Suntory Global Spirits also produces leading brands such as Tres Generaciones® and El Tesoro® tequila, Roku™ and Sipsmith® gin, and is a world leader in Ready-To-Drink cocktails, with brands like -196™ (minus one-nine-six) and On The Rocks™ Premium Cocktails.
A global company with approximately 6,000 employees in nearly 30 countries, Suntory Global Spirits is driven by its core values of Growing for Good, Yatte Minahare and Giving Back to Society. The company’s Proof Positive sustainability strategy includes ambitious goals and investments to drive sustainable change and have a positive impact on the planet, consumers and communities. Headquartered in New York City, Suntory Global Spirits is a subsidiary of Suntory Holdings Limited of Japan. For more information, visit www.suntoryglobalspirits.com and www.drinksmart.com.
ABOUT SOPHIA THAKUR
Sophia Thakur is an award-winning spoken word artist, author, songwriter and musician. Described by the BBC as ‘The Poet of this Generation’ and by Vogue as ‘One of the most adored poets of our time,’ she was also featured on Forbes’ 30 Under 30 list as a trailblazer in her craft. The spoken word artist climbed onto the stage at the age of 16 with a refreshing and intimate take on traditional poetry and has sold out multiple solo headline shows at The Jazz Cafe, Bush Hall, Omeara, The Lower Third, The Rockefeller Centre and iconic venues in Africa and Europe. She has also been invited to play stages and stations around the world, most notably; Glastonbury, The Royal Albert Hall, Sky TV, BBC and the TEDx stage, twice.
Sophia is a storyteller from every angle. Her BBC documentary rose to public acclaim for revising how documentaries are usually approached, whilst introducing a new poetic way of educating through art.
Successfully bridging the gap between poetry and the modern world, she has forged global partnerships with brands such as Tiffany & Co., Calvin Klein and Nike, among others. Sophia is the author of three books Wearing My Mother’s Heart, Superheroes and Somebody Give This Heart a Pen, a #1 bestseller.
