Whisky Focus - Bowmore No Corners to Hide 23 Year Old and 32 Year Old

Those of you who enjoyed the devilishly delicious Bowmore The Devil’s Casks whiskies first launched by Bowmore back in 2013 just may like the sound of the two new drams in the new 'No Corners to Hide' series from the Islay distillery, although they are not big sherried drams this time around and you will need deep pockets and a passport if you want to taste these two they are however linked in that they also celebrate one of Islay’s most famous tales - a story shrouded in myth and legend.

Rather aptly launched on the run up to Halloween, the Bowmore No Corners to Hide series is an new collaboration between acclaimed graphic artist Frank Quitely, who has illustrated for Marvel and DC Comics, and Bowmore's Master Blender Ron Welsh.

Inspired by the most intriguing myths and legends from the remote island of Islay, each bottle in the collaboration features exclusive designs and artwork from Frank ed graphic artist Frank both expressions are exclusively available in select Global Travel Retail outlets including Amsterdam, Frankfurt, Hamburg, Vienna, Dubai, Singapore and Taiwan.

It is said that the round shape of the church of Bowmore which I am sure any of you who have visited Bowmore on Islay will have come across was created to prevent the devil from hiding in a any corners. The story goes that the Devil was spotted in the round church of Bowmore and chased by the local congregation down into the No. 1 vaults at the Bowmore distillery. Here, as the warehousemen were filling casks and loading them aboard the paddle steamer (The Maid of Islay) the devil was lost. It is believed he escaped in a cask of Bowmore bound for the mainland.

The Bowmore 23 Year Old is said to capture a whisky character inspired by the legendary story of No Corners to Hide. The spirit was nurtured in ex-bourbon American oak hogsheads to create the signature Bowmore style. Two years of further maturation followed in Essencia barriques to create a powerful character conjuring up a sensory exploration of this mythical tale. Bowmore say that it has captured a hint of beeswax, a scent of incense and a struck match to transport the senses to Bowmore's round church. Each bottle is decorated with illustrations and sketches from Frank Quitely.

The Bowmore 32 Year Old is said to capture a moment in time; a story as captivating as the myth it celebrates. An initial 30 years of maturation in ex-bourbon American oak hogsheads reflects a timely occupation in cask, much like the devil's own alleged escape. And just liked the the 23 year old this was followed by two further years in Essencia barriques which Bowmore says has brought an unusually distinctive character to the fore, again combining beeswax, incense and struck match.

Evolving to Seville orange peel merged with the aromas of an old cigar box, but with sweet and floral interjections and finishing with a touch of liquorice and iodine, the 32 Year Old, they say it is intriguing and ingenious in equal measure. Each bottle comes complete with a signed print from Frank Quitely, alongside original sketches and notes from the whisky making process.

Manuel González, Marketing Director GTR for Beam Suntory, said: "Bowmore has a rich history filled with myths and legends, and we're delighted to partner with the award-winning Frank Quitely to bring these tales to life. Possessing a proven track record of producing collectible artwork with both Marvel and DC, the Frank Quitely Collection is our latest exciting collaboration to offer luxury limited-editions to our customers."

If you have no plans to travel in the near future you will find the current Bowmore whisky range available from specialist online whisky retailers such as The Whisky Exchange, Amazon and Master of Malt
 

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