Bowmore® Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky has unveiled its oldest ever release, Bowmore STAC, which will be auctioned at the Distiller’s One of One Charity Auction on October 5th, raising vital funds to help disadvantaged young adults in Scotland through the Youth Action Fund. At 55 years old, this is a truly unique creation showcasing over half a century of exquisite and skilled maturation. Crafted with careful consideration, this exceptional whisky truly captures how Bowmore ages like no other.

With an estimated value of between £300,000 - £500,000, Bowmore STAC 55 Years Old is presented in a striking and ground-breaking 1.5 litre vessel, hand-blown and sculpted to create this unusual shape. Bowmore STAC pays homage to Islay, taking inspiration from the island’s distinctive sea stacks, the rock formations found around Islay’s coast. The design brings to life the story of layers building over time, reflective of the whisky’s flavour dimensions over time. Resembling layers of rock, Bowmore STAC is crafted in high grade glass, itself a complex and meticulous feat of engineering to replicate a rock face. In allowing light to pass through, the whisky within is revealed as the contrasting texture and polish gives a captivating multidimensional effect.

Distilled in 1962, a defining decade in the history of the Bowmore distillery, this exceptionally rare single malt has been nurtured and shaped in second-filled American oak hogsheads within the No.1 Vaults, capturing its character from its island surroundings. A true celebration of the excellence of maturation, the whisky boasts tawny hues opening with fresh, vibrant aromas full of soft orchard fruits and honey.

Vibrantly capturing the tropical flair of fresh pineapple and honeydew melon merging with pecan nuts and floral honeysuckle before notes of subtle menthol and minerality arise as the glass approaches the lips. This sensory immersion continues on the palate as liquorice, cocoa nibs and dark roasted coffee beans unite with caramel and shortbread to reveal toasted oak spices and peat smoke and onward to a mouth warming and conclusive long drying finish.

Daryl Haldane, Global Private Client Director at Bowmore, says: “Bowmore STAC is a significant milestone in showcasing the exceptional aged spirit we have crafted at Bowmore, and a truly proud moment for us all. For 55 years this rare single malt has been quietly aging, capturing flavour and character more as time has passed. “We are delighted to be able to showcase the craftsmanship of this legendary Scotch whisky and share this masterpiece in support of such an important cause, and also play our part in this landmark coming together of the Scotch whisky industry.”

Proceeds from The Distillers One of One auction will benefit The Youth Action Fund, which has been created by The Distillers’ Charity to support disadvantaged young adults in Scotland, empowering them to create positive change in their lives and communities. Working with charity partners who offer education and vocational training programmes, including distillation training, the fund will provide young people with opportunities to develop life skills, discover their values and be work-ready.

Bowmore STAC will be auctioned at the Distillers One of One auction by Sotheby’s on the 5th October at Hopetoun House, and will be an unmissable showcase of rare and remarkable Scotch Whisky. This is the second donation to the Scotch whisky industry’s collective charitable efforts following on from the successful sale of Bowmore Onyx 51 Year Old for £400,000 at the inaugural auction in 2021.