Bowmore Legend (2000s Edition)
70cl / 40%
£159.00
- Malt type: Single Malt
- Region: Scotland
- Chilfiltered: Yes
- Coloring: Yes
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A retired, entry-level Islay Single Malt representing the distillery’s style transition under Suntory ownership.
At-a-Glance
| Field | Details |
| Distillery / Bottler / Country & Region | Bowmore Distillery / Morrison Bowmore Distillers (Suntory) / Scotland, Islay |
| Category | Single Malt Scotch Whisky |
| Age / Vintage / Bottled | Non-Age Statement (NAS) / Estimated 8 Years / Bottled circa 2000–2008 (Old style presentation) |
| ABV & Size(s) | 40% ABV / 70cl |
| Cask / Treatment | First Fill Bourbon barrels 21 (Likely a blend incorporating Sherry casks) 22 |
| Natural Colour | Not stated by the producer (Assumed E150 colouring standard for the era) |
| Non-Chill-Filtered | Not stated by the producer (Assumed Chill Filtered standard for the era) |
| Cask Strength | No |
| Bottle count / Outturn | High volume core range; discontinued |
| Intended channel | Global Travel Retail and Core Market Entry Level |
| Packaging | Standard bottle format, often in a decorative tube or box, typically featuring the ‘Birds Label’ (old style presentation) 23 |
| Notes on discrepancies | Although officially described as bourbon matured 21, the flavour profile frequently noted by consumers suggests a distinct sherry influence 22, pointing to a marriage of cask types to achieve the final flavour. |
Historical Context
Bowmore, established in 1779, holds the status of Islay’s oldest distillery. The 2000s edition of Bowmore Legend was released during the period of ownership under Suntory, which had acquired Morrison Bowmore in 1994. This ownership era stabilized the distillery’s output following periods of inconsistency in the 1980s.
The Legend served as the distillery’s primary Non-Age Statement (NAS) gateway expression. Positioned for global retail and travel retail, it was designed to introduce consumers to the core characteristics of Bowmore: moderate peat, citrus, and maritime notes. Although lacking an age statement, the liquid is generally estimated to be relatively young, around 8 years old. The specific ‘Old Edition’ presentation, often featuring the highly collectible ‘Birds Label’ artwork, was phased out around 2008, and the entire Legend line was discontinued in 2014. This retirement grants the 2000s iteration its current collectible status as a representation of a distinct phase in Bowmore's post-Suntory history.
Technical Specification & Variant Map
The technical specification of the Legend reflects its role as a high-volume market entry product. It is bottled at 40% ABV, the global minimum standard, ensuring broad accessibility.
While primary maturation is cited in First Fill Bourbon barrels, the sensory notes frequently indicate a definite sherry influence. This suggests the final blend marries multiple cask types to achieve complexity and colour consistency without heavy reliance on age, typical for a younger, entry-level malt designed to deliver a “young and wild Scotch” experience.
As a 40% ABV product marketed internationally in the 2000s, it is presumed to have been both chill-filtered and artificially coloured (E150) to guarantee clarity and visual uniformity, standard practices for the time. The main variant sought by collectors is the specific packaging design, especially the ‘Birds Label’ aesthetic.
Documented variants
The most important variant is the packaging style, with the "Old Edition (Birds Label)" defining the desirable 2000s bottling era.
Variant Matrix
| ABV | Volume | Market | Era cues | Relative desirability |
| 40% | 70cl | Global Core | Old Style/Birds Label (2000s) | Moderate-High (Discontinued packaging) |
| 40% | 70cl | Global Core | Modern Label (Post-2008) | Moderate (Less visual appeal/older stock) |
Packaging & authenticity checklist
Collectability for Bowmore Legend is strongly linked to the integrity of its presentation. The 2000s edition is distinguished by its decorative cardboard tube or box.
Condition: For retail premium, the accompanying tube/box must be in near-mint condition. Auction records show that damage to the box can significantly impact the hammer price.
Bottle Integrity: Due to the low 40% ABV, evaporation risk is low, and the fill level should consistently be ‘Into Neck’. Authentication involves confirming the 40% ABV and the correctness of the old-style label, though the risk of counterfeiting for this volume product is generally low. The closure (typically a screw cap) should be checked for a secure seal and an intact breakaway base ring.
Regulatory/terminology notes
The bottling at 40% ABV and the lack of an NCF or Natural Colour declaration confirms that this expression adheres to mass-market specifications typical of the early 2000s, focusing on shelf stability and presentation clarity over high-purity specifications.
Liquid Profile (from verifiable notes)
The flavour profile balances the Islay peat signature with distillery-derived fruit notes.
Nose: Notes of distinct Islay peat smoke, combined with citrus fruit and honey. Further analysis reveals lemon juice and faint traces of tobacco.
Palate: Described as full-flavoured, exhibiting the younger, ‘wilder’ profile of Islay malt. Flavours include tart cherries, salted strawberries, subtle wood smoke, and an underlying sweetness akin to milk chocolate.
Finish: Smooth and persistent, balancing smoke with lingering sweetness.
With water: The addition of water softens the peat and allows the underlying fruit notes to become more prominent.
Pricing & Market Dynamics (GBP)
The pricing dynamic is characterized by a strong retail premium on retired stock, maintained by brand loyalty and the appeal of the old packaging.
Original RRP (GBP): Not stated by the producer.
Current UK retail range (GBP, incl. VAT): £180–£220 (for pristine, boxed 70cl examples).
Recent UK/EU auction range (GBP, hammer): £80–£200.
Pricing stratification: Price varies dramatically based on packaging condition. Bottles with mint-condition tubes achieve high retail pricing (£212.00). Bottles with compromised external packaging trade at the lower end of the auction range (£80–£120).
Liquidity & sourcing note: Liquidity is fair. The wide distribution during its operational life ensures consistent supply via auctions and vintage retailers.
Price Snapshot
| Channel | Date | Bottle spec | Price (GBP) | Notes |
| Auction (WA) | Undated | 70cl, 40% ABV, Boxed | £120.00 | Damage noted to the box |
| Auction (LT) | Aug 2021 | 70cl, 40% ABV | £200.00 | High end hammer price |
| Retail (O&R) | Current | 70cl, 40% ABV, Boxed | £212.00 | Reflects high retail margin on retired stock |
Distillery/Bottler Snapshot
Bowmore is famous for its maritime peat character and complex fruit notes. The Legend expression, while an entry-level NAS release, serves as an authentic example of the distillery’s profile during its stable period under Suntory ownership.
Sourcing
Target formats/eras: Collectors should target the 2000s ‘Old Edition’ presentation (Birds Label) with the original tube, as collectability relies heavily on the packaging’s condition.
Red flags to avoid: Avoid paying premium prices for bottles lacking the original external packaging. The 40% ABV indicates standard commercial specification; do not expect NCF purity.
Condition thresholds: Mint external packaging condition is highly desirable. Fill levels should be excellent, typically ‘Into Neck’.
Margin/velocity expectations: Velocity is moderate. Retail margins (30%+) are achievable by securing fully boxed examples at the lower end of the auction hammer price range.
