Bowmore ARC-52
Bowmore® and Aston Martin have unveiled their latest, and most ambitious collaboration to date, ARC-52 - the pinnacle of the partnership. Bringing together one of the oldest whiskies released by the distillery with a truly inspiring and futuristic vessel, ARC-52 showcases the partnership unlike ever before.
The first in a new ground-breaking series, ARC-52 redefines the landscape, creating something visually striking, intriguing and alluring. Designed by the visionaries at ultra-luxury British brand, Aston Martin, this truly futuristic take on whisky vessel design is married with one of the oldest Bowmore whiskies ever to be released. A limited-edition launch, just 100 decanters will be created and released on a staggered basis, each numbered with a certificate of authentication.
Its innovative design merges natural and man-made contours in a provocative form, effectively balancing on two points, making it seem almost weightless – much like each Aston Martin is imagined. It is this concept of balance which defines every aspect of this sculpted design. Taking the very same approach to achieving balance and optimal form when designing an Aston Martin, this vessel calls on these exacting principles from the latest 3D printing to hand crafted clay modelling in realising its form.
The cutting edge engineering of Aston Martin combined with the unfaltering attention to detail and craftsmanship of Bowmore has made ARC-52 a reality. Bringing these two worlds together has not been without challenge and has seen considerable time invested bring this to life. From the meticulously engineered, bespoke magnetic key which releases the striking aluminium top almost by magic, whilst maintaining the sleek, clean lines to the individually, hand blown glass, this is design on a different scale.
Marek Reichman, Chief Creative Officer, Aston Martin, said, “ARC–52 sits at the apex of our partnership, truly showing the depth of what we can create collaboratively. We set out to produce something which hasn’t been seen before, capturing our uncompromised design principles and also the magnificence of the whisky. I believe that what we have created is truly a piece of sculpture. Taking balance as the most important factor, as we do in designing Aston Martin cars, we’ve harnessed heritage and innovation in perfect balance. For me there is just so much to discover with this whisky as it embodies so much hidden knowledge, even the colour looks like it’s been created by time.”
Matured for 52 years in a marriage of two cask styles, married in two exact parts - 50% for an American Oak Hogshead and 50% from a European Oak Butt This single malt promises unquestionable complexity but is perfectly balanced by bringing together these individual styles in equal parts. Timelessly capturing the classic Bowmore character as it signals the crescendo with herbal and medicinal notes combined with exotic fruits, praline and butterscotch to finish.
Ron Welsh, Master Blender, Bowmore, said “A Bowmore as exquisite and complex as this 52 year old is testament to the skills of our distillery team and their commitment to optimising the time spent in cask to create such an incredible spirit. With ARC-52 the complexity of this single malt is unquestionable and to achieve such perfect balance not only defines its physical form but unites beautifully in every drop of this stunning whisky. Working with Aston Martin remains hugely rewarding and fascinating for me. It continues to inspire and show us a different way of working, with absolute precision, and has allowed us to create what, in my opinion, is the best Bowmore over 50 years old that I’ve ever tasted.”
There will be a limited run of just 100 decanters of ARC-52, with 50 bottles being available to purchase from late Summer 2022, with the remaining 50 released in early 2023 to ensure the highest quality and craftsmanship of each vessel. It will be available in key global markets including UK, Germany, Netherlands, USA, Canada, China, Singapore, and Global Travel Retail at an RSP of £65,000 (ex VAT/duty).