A New Era for Bowmore and the Craft of Whisky Design

As autumn approaches, enthusiasm in the whisky community is on the rise. Suntory Global Spirits is set to introduce two exceptional Bowmore collections—one designed specifically for travel retail and the other aimed at domestic markets. This revitalization of Bowmore underscores its growing appeal and collectors’ interest in premium whisky experiences.

The Bowmore Appellations: A World of Flavor

Entering the market this October, the Bowmore Appellations series will debut a selection of four exclusive whiskies that pay homage to Bowmore’s Islay heritage while drawing inspiration from prestigious wine-producing regions across Europe. From the lush vineyards of Burgundy to the acclaimed port houses of the Douro Valley, this collection promises to enhance the depth of Bowmore’s characteristic flavor profile—each expression standing as a testament to the distillery’s commitment to quality.

• Bowmore 14-Year Old: Aged in American oak ex-bourbon casks and finished in exquisite Bordeaux barriques.
• Bowmore 16-Year Old: This whisky finds its roots in American oak, transitioning elegantly through European oak sherry casks to finish in ruby port casks from the Douro Valley.
• Bowmore 19-Year Old: Unique in its maturation, this expression boasts bourbon cask influence before resting in hand-selected Pinot Noir casks from Burgundy.
• Bowmore 22-Year Old: Exhibiting aging in bourbon casks, it is further refined with an exquisite finishing in Sauternes casks.

Explore the new Bowmore Appellations collection
The Bowmore Appellations collection will initially debut at prominent travel retail hubs, starting with London Heathrow and Singapore Changi, bringing exclusive access to travelers starting this October.

Bowmore Sherry Oak Collection: Classic Elegance

Complementing the Appellations series is the Bowmore Sherry Oak Collection, which delves into the influence of traditional European sherry casks on Bowmore’s prestigious malts. Featuring a lineup of whiskies aged 12, 15, 18, and 21 years, this collection is designed to showcase the profound flavors imparted by sherry cask maturation.

Kirsteen Beeston, Bowmore’s Marketing Director, stated,

“We have a duty of care as custodians of this incredible distillery to best reflect and capture the true essence of Bowmore… and to ensure we honour the spirit as we know it today.”

As Bowmore approaches a landmark 250 years of artistry in whisky, the brand’s commitment to quality and premium craftsmanship continues to pave the way for future growth within the industry.

Experience the richness of the Sherry Oak Collection
The introduction of these two collections marks an era of evolution and ambition for Bowmore. Moving forward, the distillery aims to redefine the whisky-drinking experience, merging tradition with modern aesthetics and flavor explorations.

Crafting the Experience: Design Meets Distillation

Integral to this transformation is Bowmore’s innovative approach to branding and packaging. With a fresh design that encapsulates the whisky’s spirit, Bowmore aims to evoke curiosity and admiration through its visual identity. The dominant use of black—long associated with the distillery, particularly with the iconic Black Bowmore—serves as a continual reminder of the rich history and sophistication of their offerings.

Manuel Gonzalez, Brand Marketing Director for Global Travel Retail, emphasizes the importance of high-quality product innovation:

“Travel retail is a key showroom for our iconic global brands, and I am very proud… This new collection embodies our commitment to deliver a best-in-class premium brand portfolio.”

In tandem with the launch of these new collections, Bowmore’s permanent portfolio will also undergo a rebranding, emphasizing the rich legacy while appealing to contemporary whisky enthusiasts.

The evolution of Bowmore’s branding
As Bowmore celebrates six decades since the debut of the original Black Bowmore, the distillery’s forward-looking initiatives reflect a commitment to both heritage and innovation. The ambition behind these initiatives is to elevate the perception of Bowmore in the global whisky market, creating a premier experience not just at the distillery but wherever the brand is enjoyed.

A Masterclass in Whisky Design: East Asia Whisky Company Collaborates with Glencairn

Meanwhile, in a parallel course of whisky curation and design, the East Asia Whisky Company has unveiled its own limited edition releases of Macallan single malts, showcasing an exceptional blend of craftsmanship and artistry. Collaborating with the renowned Glencairn Crystal, these creations feature hand-crafted decanters that enhance the aesthetic of the whiskies they contain.

Macallan Mizunara 33 Years Old 1990 Komorebi Edition

The Macallan Mizunara 33 Years Old 1990 Komorebi Edition celebrates the essence of nature and tranquility, with its design inspired by the Japanese word “komorebi,” which refers to sunlight filtering through trees. Each decanter offers a glimpse into this philosophy, featuring engravings that mimic the gentle interplay of sun and foliage, a delicate balance indeed.

With only 100 bottles available, this whisky tantalizes with its maturation in bourbon casks followed by a refined finish in rare Japanese mizunara oak.

The elegance of Macallan’s Mizunara Edition
Moreover, the Macallan 33 Years Old Origins introduces a duo of exceptional whiskies exploring the nuances derived from differing cask influences—a literal “study in oak.” Each whisky in the pair is presented in matching crystal decanters, intricately engraved to reflect the heritage of their crafted essences.

Scott Davidson, Glencairn’s new product development director, noted,

“The design and creation of these striking decanters has challenged our design team to push beyond their creative limits.”

An Artisan Approach to Whisky

In both Bowmore’s and East Asia Whisky Company’s initiatives, a common thread emerges: the desire to elevate consumer experiences through whisky. By focusing on the craftsmanship involved not only in distillation but also in presentation, each brand effectively envisions the complex narratives behind their spirit selections. This approach highlights the intersection of design and flavor, enabling whisky enthusiasts to engage more richly with their chosen beverages.

As we step into this vibrant new season of whisky offerings, both Bowmore and East Asia Whisky Company remind us that whisky is more than just a drink; it is a story waiting to be savored. Whether through exclusive travel collections or artisan-crafted decanters, the whisky landscape is evolving, inviting aficionados and newcomers alike to explore the artistry and passion encapsulated in every drop.

Stay tuned for more exciting releases and delve into the magnificent world of whisky.