Bowmore and Aston Martin Reveal ARC-54: A 54-Year-Old Masterpiece of Whisky and Design
Limited to just 130 decanters globally, the final release in the ARC Series unites Bowmore's rarest whisky with Aston Martin's cutting-edge design ethos.
Bowmore and Aston Martin have once again merged tradition with innovation, unveiling the Bowmore ARC-54—the second and final release in their visionary ARC Series. Distilled in November 1968 and matured for 54 years, ARC-54 encapsulates the craftsmanship, creativity, and time-honoured precision of both brands.
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A Celebration of Time, Craft and Collaboration
ARC-54 showcases one of the oldest single malts ever released by Bowmore, aged in a 2nd fill European Oak Sherry butt and a 3rd fill American Oak Hogshead before being married for 15 months. Crafted using a ratio inspired by the Golden Ratio (61.8% European Oak and 38.2% American Oak), the whisky promises deep complexity and exceptional balance.
On the nose, the whisky reveals notes of syrupy vanilla, butterscotch, and tropical fruits, layered with orange zest and candied walnuts. The palate bursts with green apple, bergamot, salted caramel, and warming spices, followed by a whisper of peat smoke. The finish is long, smooth, and richly expressive.
Dr. Calum Fraser, Bowmore's Chief Blender, remarked: "This rare creation truly demonstrates just how Bowmore ages exceptionally over time, with unmatched precision and clarity."
Valkyrie-Inspired Decanter
More than a vessel, the ARC-54 decanter is a feat of design. Inspired by the aerodynamics of the Aston Martin Valkyrie hypercar, each handblown decanter echoes the car's venturi tunnels and sculpted flow lines. Marek Reichman, Aston Martin's EVP and Chief Creative Officer, describes it as "a uniquely formed shape generated by the pure movement of Bowmore whisky."
The design draws parallels between the aerodynamic shaping of high-performance vehicles and the liquid dynamics of whisky in motion, bringing two forms of engineering elegance into harmony.
Global Rarity
With only 130 decanters released worldwide, Bowmore ARC-54 is one of the most exclusive Scotch whisky collaborations in history. The bottle will be available through select global retailers beginning 3 April 2025. Pricing is available on request.
Tasting Profile at a Glance
Age: 54 Years (Distilled 1968)
ABV: 44.3%
Cask: 2nd Fill European Oak Sherry Butt & 3rd Fill American Oak Hogshead
Appearance: Spun gold
Aroma: Vanilla, shortbread, mango, orange zest, toasted oak
Taste: Green apple, bergamot, salted caramel, ginger, cinnamon, peat smoke
Finish: Long, smooth, sweet, herbal, and lightly peated
Bowmore ARC-54 is not merely a collector's piece; it's a celebration of legacy, design, and the patient art of whisky maturation. As Bowmore continues to honour its heritage from Islay's oldest distillery, this release marks a historic conclusion to one of the most ambitious luxury partnerships in the whisky world.
For high-res images and more press information, access the official media kit.
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