Bowmore Onyx, 1 of 1, Sold by Sotheby’s
Bowmore Onyx 51 year old (1970)
A rare masterpiece, the first 51 Year Old ever released by the Bowmore distillery.
This exceptionally rare and unique 51-Year-Old single malt is the encapsulation of time, with over half a century of craftsmanship, quality and character embedded in its creation and story. Presented in a striking, hand blown black glass vessel which takes its inspiration from the incredible terroir of Bowmore’s island home, this is a once in a lifetime release from Islay’s oldest distillery. In an American Oak refill barrel, which was filled on 17th February 1970, this rare masterpiece is the first 51 Year Old every released by the distillery.
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 is very much defined and shaped by over 50 years in oak, however the influence of Islay remains a constant. Burnished gold in colour, the exquisite fresh and fruity aromas thrill the nose with the sweetness of stewed white flesh peaches balanced with the punchy notes of menthol and eucalyptus. Then signature peat smoke sneaks in alongside woody notes of polished cedarwood and burnt caramel.
The bottle, a striking functional sculpture, has been crafted to evoke the geology of Islay – specifically, the distinctive black rock, or ‘bogha mor’, from which it is believed the name Bowmore is derived. Onyx achieved a record price of £400,000 GBP, more than double the highest original estimate.
“For the first time, we are releasing a 51-Year-Old Bowmore, making this one off extremely rare and precious. 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.”
- David Turner, Bowmore distillery manager
