Black Bowmore | An Islay Legend

Many Scottish distilleries are known for their rich, often tumultuous, histories steeped in legend and mythology; and this is certainly true of Islay’s iconic Bowmore distillery. Frequently drawing inspiration from local lore of phantom horsemen, giant princesses and sea dragons to create some of their best loved whiskies, they have also created their own liquid legend in the form of the Black Bowmore series.

Distilled in 1964, shortly after Bowmore was bought over and modernised by Stanley P. Morrison, the spirit that would become the Black was filled into Oloroso sherry wood, where it would slumber for the next 29 years in the unique environment of Bowmore’s Number 1 Vault. The sprit produced at Bowmore during this period is considered to be some of the best in the distillery’s history, and its marriage with these high-quality sherry casks would prove to be a match made in heaven.

Taking its name from the dark colour imparted by the sherry casks, the first Black Bowmore released in 1993, and its sublime rich profile, combined with an extremely modest price tag of around £80 ensured that it was a roaring success. Two further releases followed in 1994 and ’95, each bottled from the same incredible batch of casks. The success of this original trilogy played a big part in kick-starting the trend for collecting rare single malt whisky and, for better or worse, driving auction prices to the level they’re at today.

Limited in quantity to begin with, and with collectors rarely willing to part with them, Black Bowmores rarely appear at auction, so we feel rather privileged to be able to offer a complete original trilogy in our whisky auction on the 23^rd of April. These three legendary drams are being offered as individual lots (251, 252 & 253) and are all in excellent condition with good fill levels. If you’re looking to acquire a defining piece of whisky history, these are the ones you want!

Do you have Whisky you would like to sell? For a complimentary, no-obligation valuation, visit our Glasgow Galleries or contact a specialist on 0141 810 2880 or auction@mctears.co.uk.