AN exceptionally rare, one-off 51 Year Old single malt, Bowmore Onyx has been sold at the inaugural Distillers One of One auction for a record price of £400,000 in Edinburgh, cementing the Islay distillery’s commitment to charitable giving and Bowmore’s desirability in the secondary market.
Bowmore Onyx is a hand blown black glass vessel, containing 1.4 litres of ultra-rare whisky. Inspired by the incredible terroir of our island home, specifically the distinctive black rock, or bogha mor, from which it is believed the name Bowmore is derived, this one-off rare masterpiece was highly sought after with bidders keen to add it to their collection.
Matured in an American Oak refill barrel, which was filled on 17th February 1970, this single malt was the first 51 Year Old ever released by the distillery and the auction was the only opportunity for bid for this Bowmore® Onyx. Nurtured in the legendary Bowmore® No. 1 Vaults, this whisky spent its long life resting quietly in the cool, dark, damp cellars below sea level, oblivious to the waves thrashing the vault’s sea-facing wall, slowly evolving its distinctive character.
Commenting on the project, Francois Bazini, Managing Director – Scotch, Gin & Irish at Beam Suntory said: “This is another incredible milestone in the evolution of Bowmore, and cements its position has a hugely creative, desirable and committed brand. But vitally be part of this auction and achieve this record price for Onyx means we can continue in our philanthropic endeavours to the benefit of Scotland’s young people. This is a great day for Bowmore, and also for the establishment of a new legacy.”
Proceeds from The Distillers One of One auction will benefit The Youth Action Fund, which has been created by The Distillers’ Charity focusing on supporting disadvantaged young people in Scotland, transforming their life chances and empowering them to create positive change in their lives and communities. Working with charity partners who offer education and training programmes, the fund will provide young people with opportunities to develop life skills, discover their values and be work-ready.
Earlier this year, the Islay distillery unveiled the Bowmore Legacy project to support 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. The key goal of the Bowmore Legacy is to futureproof the island’s distilling industry for tomorrow by investing in young people’s needs today.
