Bowmore 30 Year Old Ceramic Bottle Whisky - Single Malt (700ml)

Established in 1779 by a local merchant, John Simpson, Bowmore was one of the earliest legal distilleries on the island, it was also owner-operated which, at that time was unusual, since most proprietors on Islay leased out their distilleries. It was later taken over by one James Mutter and his family: Mutter, as well as being a farmer and distiller had the unlikely role of Ottoman, Portuguese and Brazilian Vice-Consul in Glasgow. Mutter considerably expanded the distillery and thus the Bowmore name began to travel and demand grew. The family kept the distillery until the 1890s when it was sold and became the Bowmore Distillery Co. During the Second World War the buildings were used as a coastal command base by the Air Ministry and the distillery was finally acquired by Stanley P. Morrison in 1963. Morrison's rebuilt and renovated many of the buildings, retaining the malting floors, which are still used today.

Bowmore's location on this dramatic, wind-swept isle has been integral in determining the legendary smoky, rich character of the fine Single Malt Scotch Whiskies it crafts. Bowmore is produced using the pure waters from the nearby Laggan River - waters that have spent 2,000 years percolating through the ancient rock of the hills of Islay. As the river flows to Bowmore, it gathers the flavours of the rich Islay peat that then fires the malt-drying kiln. One of the only distilleries that has maintained the tradition of malting its own barley, Bowmore's maltman hand-turns the barley with a traditional wooden malt shovel -- exactly as his father, grandfather and great-grandfather did before him.

The final character of Bowmore's range of Single Malts is developed in the famous seaside vaults, where Bowmore Whiskies spend nearly all their lives -- anywhere from 12 to 40 years. There, Bowmore Whiskies rest quietly below sea level in the finest Spanish and American oak casks, maturing to perfection with the help of the salty, sea-laden air.

'Voted Spirit of the Year 1999 Wine Enthusiast Magazine - 99 points out of 100

'…one of the two or three great Islay bouquets' -- Michael Jackson, spirits writer.

PACKAGING: Black Ceramic Flagon and Presentation box featuring Sea-Dragon legend behind company identity.