Bowmore 52 yo (1965/2018), 42%

Introduction

Bowmore 52 Year Old represents one of the oldest and rarest expressions ever released from Islay’s oldest licensed distillery, capturing over half a century of meticulous maturation in one of Scotland’s most legendary whisky warehouses.

Production Method

• Raw materials: Scottish malted barley, traditionally floor-malted with Islay’s distinctive peat and the pure spring water from the Laggan River
• Distillation process: Double distilled in Bowmore’s traditional copper pot stills, maintaining the same methods used since the distillery’s founding in 1779
• Maturation: Carefully aged for 52 years in a combination of the finest American oak bourbon barrels and European oak sherry casks in Bowmore’s No. 1 Vaults, the oldest maturation warehouse in Scotland
• Special techniques: Hand-selected by Bowmore’s Master Blender from their most treasured stock, representing casks that have survived and evolved through more than five decades of maturation

Tasting Notes

• Nose: Elegant tropical fruits, honey-glazed peaches, subtle hints of pipe tobacco, and delicate wisps of Islay’s signature maritime peat smoke
• Palate: Remarkable depth with layers of ripe mango, vanilla crème brûlée, gentle oak spices, candied orange peel, and a refined salinity that speaks to its coastal maturation
• Finish: Exceptionally long and balanced with lingering notes of antique leather, dark chocolate, dried fruits, and the faintest touch of Islay smoke that gently fades, leaving traces of sweet oak and spice

Recommended Serving

• Serving temperature: Room temperature (16-18°C)
• Glass recommendation: Traditional tulip-shaped whisky tasting glass or Glencairn crystal
• Serving ideas: Best savored neat and approached with patience, allowing time for this extraordinary whisky to open up and reveal its complex character
• Food pairings: This whisky deserves to be enjoyed on its own, though dark chocolate with high cocoa content could complement without overwhelming its subtle complexity

Product Specifications

• Alcohol content: 42% ABV (naturally reduced through five decades of angel’s share)
• Bottle size: 70cl
• Country/Region of origin: Scotland, Islay
• Certifications/Awards: Part of Bowmore’s prestigious aged collection, receiving numerous accolades including multiple Double Gold medals at international spirits competitions

Summary

A Unique Tasting Experience

The Bowmore 52 Year Old (1965/2018) represents one of the most extraordinary expressions ever to emerge from this iconic Islay distillery, with a flavor profile impossible to replicate in younger whiskies.

With only a handful of bottles ever released worldwide, this 52-year-old treasure represents a rapidly vanishing piece of whisky history that few will ever have the privilege to experience.

Bottled under the direct supervision of Bowmore’s Master Distiller and Master Blender, this whisky carries the full authority and heritage of Scotland’s oldest licensed distillery on Islay.

Recognition from Connoisseurs

The world’s most respected whisky critics and collectors have consistently placed Bowmore’s ultra-aged expressions among the finest whiskies ever produced, with this 52-year-old standing as a crowning achievement.

Collectors who have committed to acquiring Bowmore’s prestigious vintage releases recognize these bottles not only as investments but as the pinnacle of Scotch whisky craftsmanship worth preserving.

Its inclusion in the most prestigious whisky auctions and collections worldwide confirms its status as one of the most significant bottlings in contemporary whisky history.

From Bowmore’s Historic Vaults to You

In releasing this 52-year-old masterpiece, Bowmore offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience what five decades of patient maturation in Scotland’s oldest warehouse can achieve.

The passion and dedication of generations of Bowmore’s distillers shine through in every drop, connecting you directly to the hands that crafted this exceptional spirit back in 1965.

By acquiring this bottle, you join an exclusive circle of Bowmore custodians who understand that beyond being a superb whisky, this is a living testament to time, tradition, and the enduring excellence of Islay’s most historic distillery.