Whisky Forum - Bowmore 1957 54 Year Old The Oldest Islay Whisky Ever

William

The wait is over, Bowmore have finally announced the release of not only Bowmores oldest whisky but the oldest Islay whisky ever released the exceptionally rare Bowmore 1957 54 Years Old.

After distillation in 1957, the new spirit was placed into a second fill sherry cask (where it spent 43 years) and then in 2000 was moved into a second fill bourbon cask. Bottled at 42.1% ABV.

With only 12 bottles in existence worldwide, Bottles No. 1 and No. 2 will be offered at a public auction at esteemed international auction house Bonhams in Edinburgh on October 10th and in New York City on October 28th with a minimum reserve set at Â£100,000 per bottle (approx. $155,000). All net proceeds from both sales will be donated to five Scottish charities.

More info, a tasting note and video here:
www.scotchmaltwhisky.co.uk/bowmore1957.htm
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Keith · Posted: Mon Sep 17, 2012 5:19 pm Post subject:

I hope they raise loads for the charities. I love the look of the glasses and water jug made to match the design of the bottle.

James T · Master Of Malts Joined: 05 Feb 2011 Posts: 2968

Amazing looking bottle but way out of my league, as you say Keith i hope it raises a lot of money for the charities. I wonder what the RRP will be on the remaining 10 bottles once the first 2 are auctioned.

Quaich1 · Posted: Mon Sep 17, 2012 6:19 pm Post subject:

I watched the video on this offering and its pretty impressive. You can almost taste the dram as the gentleman describes the flavors and aromas. I expect the only way we can experience this one is vicariously.
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Brummie · Master Of Malts Joined: 08 Feb 2010 Posts: 661

Just reading the tasting note, the finish says:

Quaich1 · Posted: Mon Sep 17, 2012 6:51 pm Post subject:

Fergie · Master Of Malts Joined: 02 Dec 2006 Posts: 1743

Mark · Master Of Malts Joined: 27 Sep 2006 Posts: 1664

Islay Pete · Posted: Mon Sep 17, 2012 8:57 pm Post subject:

So i have got until October 10th to win the lottery Very Happy

It is indeed a rarity, for some reason other distilleries on Islay havent really had much whisky anywhere near the age of some of the Bowmore releases, perhaps there is something in there No1 Vault that makes whisky survive that bit longer in the cask.

It does sound a fruity expression, I would love to hear an independent review of the whisky

John · Moderator Joined: 21 Apr 2006 Posts: 876 Location: UK

Alastair · Posted: Mon Sep 17, 2012 11:55 pm Post subject:

If the whisky tastes as good as the bottle looks it should be amazing. Good to see Bowmore are donating the proceeds of 2 bottles to 5 very worth while charities so i really hope it breaks records at auction.

John i have accumulated dozens of different whisky glasses over the years and these would really look good in my cabinet.

William

The first charity auction for the Bowmore 1957 54 year old took place today at Bonhams in Edinburgh, unfortunately the bidding fell just short of the reserve price so it didnt sell today but the Edinburgh auction will remain open for another week.

John · Moderator Joined: 21 Apr 2006 Posts: 876 Location: UK