The huge gates of vault number 1 are opening, workers froze in anticipation, a loaded car slowly leaves the warehouse, and bottles in the back merrily chink, which will go to all points of the globe. Before the eyes of the public - another proof that old enterprises can withstand competition.
The mentioned car took to the docks one of the most status and expensive branded drinks, namely Bowmore whiskey. The distillery promotion company mentions that it was the first in Scotland and remains the oldest functioning manufactory on Islay. Bowmore whiskey has earned a reputation for a drink with a rich and varied history, in which one can feel the bitterness of the losses during the Second World War, the smack of the salty waters of the home of the winemakers and the memories of ancient Scotland.
Extracts from the history of formation
There is no documentary evidence that the distillery was actually organized in 1779. It is known that the first owner was John P. Simson, a merchant. However, he did not stay at his post for long and the manufactory withdrew to the German immigrant Mutter, vice-consul of the Ottoman Empire, Portugal and Brazil from the consulate of Glasgow. He changed the direction of the enterprise, introduced innovations to the technological process, acquired a steamer for transporting grain from mainland Scotland and exporting bottles. It is he who is considered one of the most successful managers of the company, which is mentioned with dignity on the site of the distillery.
Subsequent Owners
It should also be noted that in 1925 the company left JB Sheriff & Co., the new owner significantly expanded production, introduced several new production lines. During World War II, Isla became the home of several thousand soldiers, and the base for repair and maintenance of submarines was immediately located there. The factory closed because most of the workers were engaged in military production.
Later, already in 1945, the previous owner was on the verge of complete ruin, since the process had to be debugged from the very beginning. In 1950, the distillery passed to "William Gregor and the Sons." At the moment, the company is owned by Morrison-Bowmore Distillates, the trust, in turn, is part of a major Japanese beverage manufacturing and supply company called Suntory. The former manufactory is now a high-tech factory that provides jobs for the majority of the population of Islay.
Pricing and supply
In September 2007, the auction house in London put up for sale whiskey Bowmore Vault Edition 1960s at a price of 10 thousand pounds. The cost was due to rarity, but could not be compared with the second lot. The 1859 Bowmore Legend Whiskey Single Malt went under the hammer for £ 29,400. By the way, the owner was found very quickly. The price of Bowmore whiskey 12 years of aging reaches 220-250 dollars, 16 years - 300 dollars. An older bourbon will have to be ordered separately by filling out a contact form from a supplier or sending it to an official representative. The price of whiskey Bowmore Islay Single Malt 25 years of aging can reach 500 dollars. On the other hand, the cost of a simpler drink, which is simply called "Number 1" with an exposure of 24 months, will cost 25-40 dollars. Bourbon is supplied worldwide, products are fully certified, and technology and taste are patented.
Variety of products
At the moment, the main trading card of Bowmore includes a group of 5 main varieties, namely:
- Bowmoe No. 1 whiskey aged 24 months;
- Bowmore 12 years old;
- Bowmore 16 years old;
- Bowmore 18 years old;
- Bowmore 25 years old.
In addition, depending on a particular popular event or holiday, a significant date, a limited edition is also issued. Typically, such a batch includes no more than a few thousand bottles, which are ordered in advance.
Production technology
Unlike most distilleries, Bowmore do not hide the way they produce their bourbon. There is no secret. The vast majority of drinks are single malt, since wheat and rye do not grow on Isle. The technology involves a double distillation and distillation procedure, which is also quite commonplace in the production of whiskey. Excerpt occurs in wooden barrels of cognac and brandy, preference is given to English wood species.
The company as a whole advocates a protectionist policy and tries to limit itself in the use of foreign raw materials or impurities. The recipe for finished whiskey is extremely simple and does not include additional ingredients other than natural emulsions. At the same time, the products of the manufactory are very expensive and status. The price of Bowmore whiskey is 12 years of aging beyond the limits of the purchasing power of most middle-aged buyers, so the company has long changed course, and its annual capacity is only 2 million bottles.
Features of raw materials
Since the climate in the UK is very chaotic, one variety of cereals from different territories can give the drink completely different characteristics, as is the case with wine. Bowmore whiskey is based on Islay barley, which is part of the Inner Hebrides. Since the territory is small, cereals are saturated with salty, iodine air, as well as “smoke” from peat deposits. Together, this gives the drink a very uncharacteristic sweet taste for whiskey. So, for example, barley from Skyland would have a brighter, more pronounced taste of distillate, since it would create ideal conditions for fermentation. It is also commendable that Bowmore whiskey remains an authentic product. The company is not going to switch to metal barrels and assures fans of the quality and authenticity of alcohol.
Taste palette
Bowmore whiskey is highly appreciated by lovers and connoisseurs of the true taste of bourbon. It is not customary to mix it with ice or cola, as this will only spoil the original, fairly soft palette. Ultimately, Bowmore whiskey is a limited, status alcohol, so the brand of taste and the bar for competitors are very high. The overwhelming emphasis in the aroma is “smoke”, woody shades. The taste is easily recognizable shade of vanilla, coconut, delicate citrus. If you “roll” the liquid with your tongue, the sky will burn the astringent taste of the distillate “seasoned” with tobacco.
Bowmore whiskey has an easily recognizable, rich palette and an unsurpassed, specific taste.
External whiskey data
The liquid has a pale gold color. The older the drink, the more vivid the yellow tint of alcohol becomes. Since the company uses mainly barley, whiskey has a minimal draft, is almost completely transparent, has a bright, rich odor, but without the evaporation of ethyl. On each bottle of Bowmore there is a “Number 1” sign, indicating the corresponding inscription on the vault in front of the production entrance. In addition, the company uses its own distinctive font and a classic, long container for whiskey.
It is noteworthy that those who are lucky to hold Bowmore whiskey in their hands for 25 years of exposure will be surprised by the rich, brownish color of the liquid. At the same time, even such a tart and old drink is devoid of sediment, which indicates accuracy during aging and distillation.
The threat of fakes
Any expensive and status alcohol is at risk of counterfeiting. Unfortunately, this threat also did not pass Bowmore whiskey. Before the buyer decides to purchase a bottle, you should familiarize yourself with what a genuine package of alcohol looks like. Otherwise, the consumer runs the risk of acquiring a poor-quality surrogate. Of course, you should contact the official distributor who can make the delivery. The bottle will come in a special box with filler, you won’t have to worry about safety. Immediately check the presence of excise duty, as well as the fact that the container is sealed. After that, you need to pay attention to the aroma and taste of the drink. He should not give away ethyl.
Bowmore whiskey is a classic representative of the "old guard", with its indescribable charm. This drink is the fruit of the work of many savvy people who make products, including in order to maintain the reputation of such an old brand.