Bowmore 1964 Black Oloroso Sherry Casks 40.5% 700ml

The Bowmore 1964 Black Oloroso Sherry Casks is a legendary whisky distilled on the 5th of November 1964 and matured for over four decades in five exceptional Oloroso sherry casks. This single malt whisky was carefully filled into the casks and laid down to mature in the deep, dark Bowmore vaults below sea level. After 42 years, these casks produced only 827 bottles of this extremely rare and highly sought-after whisky. The Black Bowmore is renowned for its stunning aroma and palate, featuring a rich, deep, dark, almost ebony color that reflects its name. This whisky is the first installment of the Bowmore 1964 Trilogy and is part of a series of limited edition bottlings from Bowmore, Islay's oldest distillery, constructed in 1779. Bowmore distillery has a storied history, changing hands several times early in the 20th century before being acquired by Stanley P. Morrison in 1963. Morrison led the distillery through a golden era until the early 1980s. The Japanese firm Suntory took full control of Bowmore in 1994, the year after the first release of Black Bowmore, which catalyzed the prestige whisky market. Upon its release, the Black Bowmore received rave reviews from whisky connoisseurs who praised its exceptional quality and unique flavor profile. The whisky's deep, dark color, rich, complex aroma, and palate make it a legendary bottle of Scotch whisky, highly sought after by collectors and whisky enthusiasts around the globe.

FAQs

• What makes the Bowmore 1964 Black Oloroso Sherry Casks unique?

  This whisky is unique due to its careful maturation in five exceptional Oloroso sherry casks for over four decades, producing a deep, dark color and complex flavor profile. Additionally, only 827 bottles were produced, making it extremely rare and highly sought after.

• Why is the Bowmore 1964 Black Oloroso Sherry Casks considered legendary?

  The Bowmore 1964 Black Oloroso Sherry Casks is considered legendary due to its exceptional quality, unique flavor profile, and the meticulous aging process in Bowmore's deep, dark vaults below sea level. It is also one of the most highly praised and sought-after whiskies in the world.

• What is the significance of the Bowmore 1964 Trilogy?

  The Bowmore 1964 Trilogy marks a series of limited edition bottlings from the Bowmore distillery, beginning with the Black Bowmore. Each installment highlights the distillery's dedication to crafting exceptional single malt whiskies.

• How did the change in ownership affect Bowmore distillery?

  Bowmore distillery experienced a golden era under Stanley P. Morrison's ownership from 1963 to the early 1980s. When Suntory took full control in 1994, it further elevated Bowmore's prestige in the whisky market, particularly with the release of iconic whiskies like the Black Bowmore.

Tasting Notes

• Aroma: dried fruits, plums, dates, figs, prunes, raisins, resin, leafy notes, grassy notes, acacia honey, deep sherry wood, burned sugar, old books.
• Taste: punchy, oily, liquorice, sugar cane, subtle sweetness, dried fruits, toasted bread, dry oak wood, dark chocolate.
• Finish: medium-long, warm, slight sweetness, more oak wood, slightly drying.
• Overall: The Bowmore 1964 Black Oloroso Sherry Casks delivers a rich and complex experience. Its deep, dark color is matched by an equally robust nose and palate, filled with layers of dried fruits, subtle sweetness, and a pronounced oak presence. The finish is warming and lengthy, making it a truly legendary single malt whisky.

Reviewer's opinion

The Bowmore 1964 Black Oloroso Sherry Casks offers a deeply intriguing profile, though it may not be to everyone's taste. The nose is complex and reminiscent of the iconic Bowmore 1956, albeit sweeter. On the palate, it carries a more two-dimensional character with grassy notes and oak wood, which might not impress all whisky enthusiasts. Despite this, its rarity and the intricate layers of flavors make it a fascinating and valuable addition to any collection, even if some may find it slightly overrated compared to other legendary Bowmore expressions.