Bowmore is set to release Onyx 51 Year Old for the upcoming Distillers ‘One of One’ auction, which will be held on December 3rd in Edinburgh. The auction, led by The Distiller’s Charity, the philanthropic arm of The Worshipful Company of Distillers, in partnership with Sotheby’s, will benefit disadvantaged young adults in Scotland.
“For the first time, we are releasing a 51-Year-Old Bowmore, making this one off extremely rare and precious,” explained David Turner, Bowmore distillery manager. “To make this happen, we’ve taken a single portion of stock taken from a cask that has been carefully watched over by the distillery team and nurtured in the legendary No.1 Vaults. Bowmore Onyx more than a name it symbolises the precious whisky inside this beautifully crafted bottle and the process of time which has shaped its contents. There is no doubt this one of a kind will be hugely desired by those who love our incredible single malt.”
This exceptionally rare and unique 51-Year-Old single malt is presented in a striking, hand blown black glass vessel which takes its inspiration from the terroir of Bowmore’s island home, and is a once in a lifetime release from Islay’s oldest distillery. Aged in an American Oak refill barrel, which was filled on February 17, 1970, this rare masterpiece is the first 51 Year Old ever released by the distillery and comes in at a warming 48% ABV.
Nurtured in the legendary Bowmore No. 1 Vaults, this whisky has spent its long life resting quietly in the cool, dark, damp cellars below sea level, oblivious to the waves thrashing the vault’s sea-facing wall, slowly evolving its distinctive character. This single malt Scotch is very much defined and shaped by over 50 years in oak, however the influence of Islay remains a constant.
Burnished gold in color, fresh and fruity aromas thrill the nose with the sweetness of stewed white flesh peaches balanced by punchy notes of menthol and eucalyptus. Then signature peat smoke sneaks in alongside woody notes of polished cedarwood and burnt caramel. The palate offers sweet orchard fruit and spices as tobacco, earthy walnuts and pecan nuts lead to a mouth warming, long lasting finish.
The creation of the one-off glass structure celebrates Islay, but more than that, it is itself a masterpiece in glass design. Handblown using highly skilled and creative techniques results in a piece of glass art which almost appears chiseled from the very rock formations of Islay.
For more information on the Bowmore Onyx 51 Year Old and the auction, head over to Sotheby’s official website.
Last month, Bowmore unveiled its latest release in partnership with Aston Martin, a 21-year-old single malt whisky called Bowmore Masters’ Selection.