1979 Bowmore Bicentenary Single Malt Scotch Whisky (750ml)

Note: there are some markings to the box and part of the neck label is slightly lifted. Overall very good to excellent condition for its era. Comes with the original signed certificate.

A now legendary Bowmore, and one of several offered as part of the distillery's 200th anniversary. Bottled in 1979, these uber-rare celebratory releases were marketed in a handful of countries and have come to be regarded as some of the finest Bowmores of all time (see the massive rating from whiskyfun below - 95 points is pretty close to perfection for Serge Valentin). Reportedly a special vatting of very old stocks with the majority matured in sherry casks, around 20,000 bottles were released for the occasion. Ranked amongst the most revered whiskies ever from this (or any) distillery, complete with original presentation case, it's a genuine piece of Islay liquid history that will be the crown jewel in any serious collection. One only available. 43% Alc./Vol.

Other reviews... Colour: pale amber. Nose: a completely different style, much more coastal. Whiffs of sea air, dried kelp, then balsamic vinegar, then all kinds of herbs such as thyme, oregano, pesto… Truly amazing. It gets then fantastically resinous (fir honeydew, a little camphor, cough syrup, hints of natural tar…) Also lots of dried fruits (dates, figs)… And curcuma, and saffron, and freshly ground black pepper (quite heady), and of course tropical fruits (guavas). And hints of wormwood. Truly mind-boggling. Mouth: creamy, thick, very sherried, probably less complex than on the nose. Kind of smoky blackberry jam. Also prunes, a little chlorophyll, cough sweets, quite some mint. Lots of pepper (various kinds), crème brulée, chestnut honey… Parsley, quetsches… And a long, creamy finish, with quite some nutmeg and cumin. No further comments needed. 95 points - Serge Valentin, whiskyfun.com