Founded on the shores of Loch Indaal, in the heart of the village of Bowmore from which it takes its name, this distillery is one of the most historic on the island of Islay. Its development took on a new dimension in 1963, when Stanley P. Morrison acquired it. Under his leadership, Bowmore gradually established itself as one of the most recognized signatures in Scotch whisky, before joining the Japanese group Suntory in 1994. Bowmore's reputation is intimately linked to its iconic cellar n°1, the "No. 1 Vaults", one of the distillery's most emblematic places. Located below sea level, in the immediate vicinity of the coast and protected by a of natural rocks, it offers unique maturation conditions, marked by high humidity and the constant influence of the marine environment. Several of Bowmore's most sought-after bottlings have aged there, including the 1963 Bowmore 30 Year Old and the Bowmore Bicentenary. Bowmore also remains committed to continuing important traditions. In particular, the distillery continues to malt some of the barley used in the production of its whiskies on site, a practice that has become rare in Scotland. Bowmore's style is distinguished by a characteristic balance between peat, maritime freshness and aromatic richness. Depending on the ageing, the smoky and medicinal notes can be accompanied by liquorice, eucalyptus, spices and exotic fruits. This fruity dimension, particularly expressive in some old vintages, is one of the distillery's most recognizable signatures. The maturation in old bourbon casks, such as Bowmore White 1964, as well as in old sherry casks, exemplified by the legendary Black Bowmore 1964, testify to the depth and diversity of its style.

A Bowmore 14 year old bottled by Cadenhead. Cadenhead was founded in 1842 by George Duncan, who was quickly joined by William Cadenhead who renamed the business after Duncan’’s death in 1858. When Cadenhead in turn passed away in 1904, his nephew Robert Duthie took over and turned the business into the independent bottler it is today. After Duthie, it was managed by one of his employees, Ann Olivier, whose stubborn approach to running the business led to much of the stock having to be sold at auction by Christie’’s (London) in 1972 to feed the kitty and save the business. It was then sold to J. & A. Mitchell and Co, who also owned Springbank, and moved to Campbeltown.