Bowmore ARC-52 | Whisky Review

Physical Whisky Characteristics

Origin: Bowmore Distillery, Islay, Scotland.
Type: Single Malt Scotch Whisky.
Distillation and Maturation Process: Aged for 52 years, the whisky is a blend of spirits matured in European Sherry butts and American Hogsheads.
Age Statement: 52 years.
Color and Clarity: Not explicitly described, but the focus is more on the bottle design.
Bottle Design: A collaboration between Aston Martin and Bowmore, featuring an innovative design that makes the bottle appear as if it's floating. The bottle has an Aston Martin logo at the front and Bowmore at the bottom. The opening mechanism involves a unique arc-shaped key with a magnet, suggesting a high level of design involvement from Aston Martin.

Balance of Flavors: The whisky presents a surprising balance, with less oak influence than expected for its age. It offers a sweet, fruity, and creamy profile with minimal smoke.
Unique Characteristics: Notably sweet and fruity, with flavors reminiscent of stewed apples and fruit pie. The expected oakiness is subdued, and there's a very faint hint of smoke, which is unusual for a Bowmore whisky of this age.
Comparison: Compared to other aged Bowmores, the ARC-52 has significantly less smoke, aligning more with the profile of a much younger whisky in terms of oak influence.

Collaboration Story: The ARC-52 is a result of a joint venture between Aston Martin and Bowmore, highlighting a unique intersection between luxury car design and whisky craftsmanship.
Bottle Design Process: The intricate design and opening mechanism of the bottle reflect Aston Martin's influence, emphasizing aesthetics and innovation.

Islay Whisky Tradition: Bowmore Distillery is one of the oldest in Scotland, located on the Isle of Islay. The distillery's location and history contribute to the whisky's identity, with Islay whiskies known for their peaty and smoky characteristics—though the ARC-52 deviates from this norm due to its age.

"This is really nice, the combination of these two casks went really well."
"I've never tried such an old whisky that didn't have that very distinctive oak flavor."
"After 52 years, there's so much oxidization going on that there's nearly no smoke."

The Bowmore ARC-52 is a 52-year-old single malt Scotch whisky, a collaboration between Aston Martin and Bowmore, featuring a unique bottle design.
It offers a surprisingly sweet, fruity, and creamy flavor profile with minimal smoke and oakiness, unusual for its age.
The whisky is a blend of spirits matured in European Sherry butts and American Hogsheads, bottled at 42.3% ABV, assumed to be cask strength.
Only 100 bottles are available worldwide, making it a rare and potentially valuable collector's item.

Whisky Collectors: Given its rarity, unique collaboration story, and innovative design, collectors would find the ARC-52 a prized addition.
Luxury Enthusiasts: Those with an appreciation for luxury collaborations and exclusive releases would be drawn to the Aston Martin and Bowmore partnership.
Experienced Whisky Drinkers: Individuals with a palate for aged whiskies looking for a unique profile with minimal smoke and oak influence might find the ARC-52 intriguing.