Founded in 1779, Bowmore holds a unique place in the history of Scotch whisky. Located on the island of Islay, renowned for its intensely peated single malts, it is recognised as the oldest legal Bowmore distillery on the island. For more than two centuries, Bowmore has upheld a craft-driven expertise that blends tradition and innovation, deeply rooted in its maritime terroir.
The origins of the Bowmore distillery
It was in 1779 that David Simpson, a local merchant, founded the Bowmore distillery on the shores of Loch Indaal. This strategic location provided both high-quality fresh water and direct access to the port, making whisky shipments easier.
At a time when Islay was still home to many clandestine distilleries, Bowmore was among the first to obtain an official licence, paving the way for a long tradition of legal production on the island.
Two centuries of Scottish craftsmanship
In the 19th century, the Bowmore distillery changed hands several times, notably coming under the control of William and James Mutter, two influential figures of the Victorian whisky industry. They modernised the facilities and helped elevate Bowmore to international recognition.
During the Second World War, the distillery was requisitioned by the Royal Air Force and converted into a base for seaplanes. Production resumed only after 1945, driven by strong global demand.
In 1963, Bowmore entered a new chapter when it was acquired by Stanley P. Morrison, a Scottish spirits merchant. This period marked the beginning of a carefully managed expansion that combined modern methods with traditional expertise.
Since 1994, the distillery has belonged to the Japanese group Beam Suntory, which has preserved the identity of Bowmore while supporting its international development.
Expertise faithful to its origins
Bowmore remains one of the few Scottish distilleries that still practises on-site floor malting. This traditional and now rare process involves allowing the barley to germinate on a stone floor before drying it over peat in the kiln, giving the whisky its characteristic smoky aromas.
The water comes from the Laggan spring, which is naturally rich in minerals. The distinctive copper stills allow for slow distillation, giving the distillate its smooth and oily texture.
The whisky is then aged in Bowmore's famous warehouses, located at sea level. These warehouses, among the oldest in Scotland, offer unique maturing conditions, characterized by humidity, coolness, and the salty influence of the sea air.
A unique style combining smoothness and smokiness
Unlike some of its neighbors on Islay, Bowmore stands out for its measured approach to peat. Its single malts are renowned for their balance between smoky aromas, fruity notes, and floral touches. This harmonious profile makes Bowmore a distillery apart on the island.
Among its iconic expressions, Bowmore 12 Year Old seduces with its delicate peat, lemon and honey notes, while Bowmore 15 Year Old Darkest reveals richer aromas of chocolate and dried fruit from aging in sherry casks.
The flagship products of the Bowmore distillery
BOWMORE 12 ans
44.1 €
BOWMORE 12 years old
Reflecting the very essence of Bowmore—crashing waves, windswept landscapes, and generations of tradition—our 12-year-old is both complex and perfectly balanced. Subtle lemon and sweet heather honey complement Bowmore's signature peat smoke, leading to a delicious, long, and mellow finish.
BOWMORE 15 ans
104 €
BOWMORE 15 years old
Aged first in bourbon barrels and then in oloroso casks, there is no better example of sherry cask finishing than this 15-year-old whisky. It is the final three years spent in oloroso sherry casks that give Bowmore 15 years its rich, deep color and robust, warm finish.
TO LEARN MORE ABOUT SCOTCH WHISKIES
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