Bowmore and Aston Martin celebrates 52-Year Whisky’s craftmanship by selling it for over $230k at auction.
Luxury spirits are quickly becoming a hot commodity for collectors, much like classic cars and watches. The recent sale of a top-shelf Scotch collaboration between Bowmore and Aston Martin is further proof of the growing trend in the liquid gold market.
The Bowmore ARC-52, a 52-year-old whisky presented in a sculptured decanter reminiscent of Aston Martin’s supercars, was initially announced in 2022. Only 100 bottles were offered directly to select consumers for a whopping $75,000 each. However, one of those bottles was recently sold at a Sotheby’s auction in London for GBP 187,500, equivalent to USD 231,800 at current exchange rates.
The winning bidder not only received a bottle of the never-to-be-repeated expression but also an exclusive experience at Bowmore Distillery and on Islay, as well as a drive in a limited-edition Aston Martin DBX Bowmore Edition. The whisky itself, a 42.3-per cent ABV blend of 1962 and 1968-vintage Bowmore whiskeys aged in sherry-seasoned European oak and ex-bourbon American oak Hogsheads, was the driving force behind the high price.
The top half of the curvy decanter is wrapped in unique carbon fibre material that mimics the ancient Japanese metalworking technique “Mokume-Gane,” which produces a mixed-metal laminate with a natural, woodgrain-like aesthetic.
The inspiration for this artistic choice was meant to be a homage to the back rocks of the bay of Loch Indaal, where Bowmore is located. It was also a subtle nod to the charred cask where the dram was aged. “We imagined walking those picturesque shores, at magic light, and discovering this wonderous treasure shaped over aeons of time by the elements, suddenly appearing at your feet,” Aston Martin’s executive vice president and chief creative officer, Marek Reichman said in the news release.
Jonny Fowle, head of whisky and spirits for Sotheby’s, North America and EMEA, stated, “Bowmore’s ARC-52 Mokume Edition is as much a masterpiece of design as it is an exclusive whisky.”
“These two legacy British brands have produced something that is visually spectacular to house a totally unique liquid time capsule. Today’s most dedicated collectors aim not only to collect legendary bottles, but particularly those which are unique. The price achieved for the Mokume is testament to this.”
All proceeds from the auction will benefit The Bowmore Legacy, an organization dedicated to supporting the people of the town of Bowmore on Islay by providing affordable housing and employment training.
It is unlikely that anyone will find a bottle of Bowmore ARC-52 available outside of a high-end auction. However, the more accessible Bowmore Aston Martin Masters’ Selection 2023 Edition is currently selling on the aftermarket for under $1,000. As the market for luxury spirits continues to grow, it will be interesting to see what other unique and exclusive blends will become available for collectors to add to their collections.
Bowmore ARC-52 Tasting Notes
The ARC-52 is a blend of two cask styles, one refill European Oak and one refill American Oak, aged for at least 52 years and bottled at 42.3%. While this combination is not unusual, what sets the ARC-52 apart is its ability to retain its vibrancy and freshness despite its age.
It features notes of orchard fruits and mandarin with just a hint of smoke and sea salt. A bit of time in the glass reveals those elusive minty notes reserved for only the oldest of fine and rare whiskies. The palate’s taste is remarkably fresh with a fruity start: green grapes and clementine. The wood influence takes centre stage, with notes of hazelnuts and walnuts, finishing with the fresh fruit fades, which evolves into something more indulgent like butterscotch.