Review: Bowmore ARC-54

For the fourth time in recent memory, Scotch distiller Bowmore and car maker Aston Martin have teamed up for a whiskey release. And in this instance, both the age statement and the price tag are among the highest ever for a spirit reviewed on Drinkhacker.

Bowmore ARC-54 is a 54 year-old single malt, originally distilled in November 1968. The release itself is actually a marriage of portions of two separate casks: a 2nd fill oak sherry butt and a 3rd fill American oak hogshead. The whiskey was married in a ratio of 61.8% sherry butt and 38.2% American oak (Bowmore says this is keeping with the Golden Ratio), which was then rested for 15 months before bottling.

The final blend was bottled at 44.3% in a handmade decanter, “inspired by the cutting-edge design of the Aston Martin Valkyrie hyper car.” Just 130 decanters will be released globally, with 10 of these landing in the United States. The suggested retail price is $80,000.

Let’s see how it tastes.

Bowmore ARC-54 Single Malt Scotch Review

The nose kicks off with balsamic vinegar and funky, overripe tropical fruit, including banana, pineapple, plantain, and guava. After a couple minutes, those aromas evolve to deeper notes of cut papaya and mango skins, followed shortly thereafter by tart green apple. Tiny pops of oak and peat smoke weave in and out, more accents than main acts, alongside caramel candy and toasted vanilla meringue.

The first taste is rich with spiced orange marmalade and mango chutney. Beneath that initial spice, the whiskey is a bit like a creamsicle, but with mango instead of orange, the combination reminding one unmistakably of vanilla ice cream and tropical fruit sherbet. A silky mouthfeel and effervescent quality that makes the whiskey feel chilled even when it’s room temperature. The back palate leans toward yet another point on the tropical fruit spectrum, in this case sweet passionfruit custard.

On the finish, peat rises above other flavors before we dive into charred/grilled fruit and lingering notes of malt and sherry. Tropical fruit lingers, with whispers of papaya, mango, and pineapple continuing for more than a minute after each sip. Not exactly a bargain, but still a beauty.

88.6 proof.

A / $80,000 / bowmore.com

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