Islay distillery Bowmore has released the second and final whisky from its ARC Series in partnership with Aston Martin. The new ARC-54 is a 54-year-old whisky from Bowmore, presented in a decanter inspired by Aston Martin.
Distilled in 1968, the whisky has been matured in casks including a second-fill European oak sherry butt and a third-fill American oak hogshead. For the final spirit, the Bowmore team was inspired by the 'Golden Ratio' to blend 61.8 per cent European oak aged spirit with 38.2 per cent American oak aged spirit. The two parts were then marrid for 15 months.
Dr Calum Fraser, chief blender at 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.”
Tasting notes from Bowmore highlight citric and floral notes, as well as salted caramel, ginger, cinnamon, and peat smoke.
The whisky is presented in handblown glass decanters inspired by the Aston Martin Valkyrie hypercar. The shape reflects the car's “fluid aerodynamics”.
Marek Reichman, executive vice president and chief creative officer for Aston Martin, added: “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.”
Bowmore ARC-54 is bottled at 44.3% ABV and is available from selected stockists worldwide.
