Walking into Hotel Amigo last Wednesday evening, the atmosphere immediately hinted at exclusivity and elegance. A select group of whisky aficionados gathered for an unforgettable experience, whisked discreetly up to the hotel’s most luxurious suite—recently occupied by none other than Bruce Springsteen. Surrounded by the grandeur of crystal chandeliers and velvet furnishings, anticipation hung palpably in the air.
Once seated comfortably, Teddy Joseph, Bowmore’s engaging Global Brand Ambassador, began weaving the fascinating history of Bowmore. Established in 1779 on the rugged Scottish isle of Islay, Bowmore is the oldest licensed distillery on the island, known for its balance of tradition, time, and precision. For over 240 years, Bowmore has perfected the art of maturation in the legendary No.1 Vaults — the oldest maturation warehouses in the world. It is here that the ocean air, stone walls and time collaborate to shape Bowmore’s inimitable character: layered, smoky, and unmistakably refined.
Bowmore is now entering a new era. The brand recently unveiled a refreshed identity, combining timeless elegance with contemporary design. The new aesthetic — marked by refined typography, streamlined elements, and a modern colour palette — reflects Bowmore’s evolving ambition: to redefine what it means to enjoy a luxury single malt whisky today.
Discovering Bowmore: A Whisky Journey
The tasting started gracefully with the Bowmore 15 Year Old. Bright honey and gentle peat smoke evoked a breezy coastal morning. Then came the 18 Year Old, layered richly with creamy caramel and notes of dark chocolate, which unfolded warmly and luxuriously. Finally, we savored the Bowmore 21 Year Old, complex yet elegant, boasting spiced toffee, dried figs, and subtle oak nuances that spoke volumes of its carefully balanced maturation.
Whisky with a View
We were then invited onto the suite’s spectacular terrace, offering an unparalleled panoramic view of Brussels’ historic Grand Place. Under the stars, the Bowmore 21 Year Old whisky took on a new dimension—its smoky and fruity layers perfectly complementing the refined spirit of Aston Martin, whose iconic cars echoed the whisky’s sophistication.
The Grand Reveal: ARC-54
The highlight of the evening arrived when Teddy, with white gloves and profound reverence, unveiled the Bowmore ARC-54. Carefully removing the exquisite crystal decanter—crafted in collaboration with Aston Martin and inspired by the aerodynamic elegance of their Valkyrie hypercar—he presented a whisky of remarkable rarity and finesse.
Distilled in November 1968, the ARC-54 matured for 54 years in a precise Golden Ratio of 61.8% second-fill European oak sherry butt and 38.2% third-fill American oak hogshead. The result is a whisky of astonishing depth and freshness. On the palate, it opens with vibrant citrus — bergamot, lime — followed by waves of vanilla custard, salted caramel, tropical fruits, floral hints and finally a delicate layer of peat. Its long, luxurious finish lingers with notes of candied ginger, honeyed oak, and warming spice.
Each hand-blown decanter is a masterpiece in itself. Its form mirrors the Valkyrie’s signature venturitunnels while echoing the flowing lines of the Islay landscape. Designed as a visual diffuser, the vessel captures movement and light, elevating the whisky’s rich amber tones.
With only 130 bottles in existence worldwide, one of which is on display at Hotel Amigo throughout June (with a recommended retail price of €81,000) , this creation stands not just as a whisky, but as a symbol of craftsmanship and legacy.
Bowmore’s Timeless Craftsmanship
This exceptional experience underscored Bowmore’s unwavering commitment to whisky excellence. With the launch of the Sherry Oak Collection — featuring four carefully matured expressions — and the ARC-54 as its grand finale, Bowmore enters a new chapter. A chapter where heritage meets innovation, and every glass becomes a multisensory journey through time.
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