The Taste of Aston Martin: One-of-a-kind Bowmore Whisky
If you could drink an Aston Martin, what would it taste like?
Aston Martin and Bowmore Distillery think they have the answer as they have collaborated to create a very special one-off collectors item to be auctioned for charity. The Bowmore ARC-52: The 'Mokume Edition' features a unique 52-year-old vintage whisky from Bowmore Distillery housed in an exquisite decanter designed by Aston Martin.
The concept for this one-off edition takes its name from the Japanese metalworking technique ‘Mokume-Gane’ which produces a mixed-metal laminate with distinctive layered patterns.
The finest carbon filaments and construction have been used to produce the sculptural top of the ARC-52 decanter, just as in the production of the lightest and strongest carbon fibre components for Aston Martin’s most intense performance cars, including the ultimate hypercar, Aston Martin Valkyrie and the company’s Formula 1® challenger, the AMR23. One of the lightest materials available, yet stronger than steel, carbon fibre is used throughout Aston Martin’s high-performance models.
The carbon fibre element of the decanter has been created using a unique process which mirrors the mokume texture and mimics a natural aesthetic, much like wood grain or layered natural rock. The finish achieved can be said to imitate both the black rocks in the bay of Loch Indaal, home to the Bowmore Distillery, and also the inside of the charred cask where this special 52-year-old whisky was aged.
Ron Welsh, Master Blender at Bowmore, said: “The very concept of ARC is itself spectacular in both form and contents, but this one-off creation adds even greater depth, intrigue and inspiration to the story of ARC. By creating this unique Mokume edition, we can also fulfil our ambition to ‘give back’ to our homeplace through The Bowmore Legacy, by offering collectors and Bowmore lovers something truly special and desirable. As one of my last project’s for Bowmore, this one is exceptionally close to my heart and is the perfect climax to an incredibly rewarding and exciting career.”
The Bowmore ARC-52 Mokume Edition is a one-off collector’s item, available exclusively from Sotheby’s, with an estimate of £140,000-220,000 ($175,000-275,000). The winning bidder will have the opportunity to enjoy an experience at Bowmore Distillery and also get behind the wheel of the limited-edition Aston Martin DBX Bowmore Edition whilst on Islay. Created by Aston Martin’s personalisation service, Q by Aston Martin ,only 18 examples of Aston Martin’s ultra-luxury SUV were produced in this unique specification, which included Bowmore-branded copper inlays using copper from the original whisky still to accent the side strakes of the DBX.
Proceeds from the auction will be donated to The Bowmore Legacy, a long-term, dedicated project to support the employability, training and housing needs of Bowmore’s young people, enabling a range of vital outcomes from affordable and supported housing to key employment skills for young people with barriers to employment.
Bowmore ARC-52 Mokume Edition will be auctioned at Sotheby’s in London on 26 May 2023.
