Unique Elegance: Bowmore ARC-52 Mokume Edition by Sotheby's

In a harmonious blend of exquisite craftsmanship and aged whisky, Sotheby's presents the Bowmore ARC-52 Mokume Edition, an extraordinary collaboration between Bowmore® Single Malt Whisky and Aston Martin.

Leaders in their respective industries, Bowmore® Single Malt Whisky and Aston Martin have once again united to create a marvel of innovation and craftsmanship. The collaboration, which has already garnered acclaim, now introduces the Bowmore ARC-52 Mokume Edition, blending the allure of Bowmore® whisky with the elegance and exclusivity of Aston Martin.

This spring, the two iconic brands will reveal a unique bottle of one of the distillery’s oldest whiskies, encapsulated within a groundbreaking Aston Martin design. This exclusive objet d’art, a decanter containing a special assemblage of 52-year-old vintage whisky, represents a singular blend of Bowmore vintages from the 1960s, conceived by Ron Welsh, Master Blender. This fusion creates an extraordinary whisky experience, never to be replicated.

Sotheby’s in London will offer the Bowmore ARC-52 Mokume Edition at auction on 26 May 2023, with an estimate of £140,000-220,000 ($175,000-275,000). The fortunate bidder will also be privy to an immersive experience at Bowmore Distillery on Islay and an encounter with the limited-edition Aston Martin DBX Bowmore Edition, the brand’s inaugural luxury SUV. Auction proceeds will contribute to a dedicated fund supporting the people of Islay in various essential initiatives, aiming to futureproof the island’s distilling industry.

The decanter's design, inspired by the Japanese metalworking technique ‘Mokume-Gane’, exhibits a carbon fibre top crafted to mimic a natural aesthetic, resonant of the black rocks in Loch Indaal, home to the Bowmore Distillery, and the charred cask interiors where this exceptional whisky matured. This creation echoes both the distillery's surroundings and the whisky's heritage, delivering a multi-dimensional sensory experience.

Jonny Fowle, Sotheby’s Head of Whisky & Spirits, North America and EMEA, expressed that the Bowmore Mokume represents the pinnacle for collectors: an Aston Martin-designed vessel containing an exceptional, one-time-only whisky. He praised Bowmore’s boundary-pushing design concepts and world-class whiskies, highlighting this unique opportunity for whisky enthusiasts.

Marek Reichman, Executive Vice President & Chief Creative Officer at Aston Martin, reflected on the inspiration derived from the picturesque shores of Loch Indaal. The decanter's design, he noted, embodies the discovery of a treasure shaped by the elements over time, capturing the spirit and rarity of the whisky within.

Ron Welsh, Master Blender at Bowmore, expressed his personal connection to the ARC-52 Mokume Edition, seeing it as the culmination of a fulfilling career at Bowmore. He emphasized the project's significance in giving back to Bowmore’s home through The Bowmore Legacy, offering collectors a truly exceptional and desirable piece.

The Bowmore ARC-52 Mokume Edition tasting notes reveal a deep burnished gold color, with a palate that merges honey sweetness, fruity and citric characters, and oaky notes with light peat, culminating in a long, mouth-drying finish with a hint of marine minerality. This rare whisky and the auction represent a remarkable moment in the world of fine spirits, blending heritage, innovation, and unparalleled craftsmanship.