Bowmore Legend Giftset With CD

A highly specific late-1990s bottling of the discontinued entry-level Bowmore, presented in a unique gift set with an interactive CD-ROM.

1. Historical Context

The Bowmore Legend Giftset represents a fascinating moment in the history of Islay whisky marketing, specifically during the late 1990s and early 2000s. Bowmore Distillery, the oldest distillery on Islay (established 1779), was under the full ownership of the Japanese distiller Suntory by 1994, which heralded a new era of investment and global marketing.

The "Legend" expression was the distillery's entry-level, non-age-statement bottling, designed to introduce consumers to the characteristic light smokiness and complex maritime character of Bowmore malt without the premium associated with age statements like the 12 or 15 Year Old. This expression has since been discontinued, replaced in the core range by other NAS whiskies, confirming this bottling as a piece of Bowmore's past core line-up (S_S57).

The true collectible distinction of this gift set is the inclusion of the interactive CD-ROM. This novelty reflects the prevailing technological optimism of the late 1990s, when brands sought new ways to engage consumers and present rich historical and production data that could not fit onto a bottle label. This CD-ROM tie-in firmly dates the release and underscores the brand's efforts to modernise its consumer interface during the Suntory ownership era. Today, the set's value is derived less from the liquid and more from the integrity of this complete presentation, including the unique packaging and the functional CD-ROM, marking it as a rare historical artefact from a period of transition for the Islay giant.

2. Technical Specification & Variant Map

The Bowmore Legend bottling adheres to the standard technical specifications for a high-volume, entry-level Single Malt of the late 20th century.

2.1 Documented variants

The core specifications for this expression are:

• Standard Strength: 40% ABV. This standard proof was typical for core single malt ranges to ensure approachability and wider market acceptance.
• Standard Volume: 70cl.
• Market: General Release, sold as an accessible Islay malt. The CD-ROM variant was a specific gift set offering.

2.2 Packaging & authenticity checklist

• Gift Set Components: Authentication requires the presence of both the 70cl bottle and the interactive CD-ROM in its original packaging (S_S5). The integrity of the CD-ROM, which must be housed in a protective tin or box alongside the bottle, is a primary driver of the set's premium.
• Liquid Content: The liquid is a single malt Scotch whisky, and while not stated, it is common knowledge that the standard Bowmore range utilises caramel colouring and is chill-filtered to maintain clarity and stability.
• Decanter Risk: This expression is not in a ceramic decanter, but bottles should be inspected for the condition of the paper label and the outer packaging, which is crucial for gift set collectibility.

2.3 Regulatory/terminology notes

The liquid is a Single Malt Scotch Whisky. The name "Legend" is a brand name and is not an age statement. Bowmore is famously known for its lightly peated spirit, providing the foundational smoky and maritime notes for this expression.

3. Liquid Profile

The Bowmore Legend delivers the distillery's signature light peated style, balanced with sweet and maritime notes.

Nose: The aroma presents a distinctive Bowmore smoky peat note, but it is described as subtle, not overwhelming. This is intermingled with a gentle breeze of fresh sea air and fruity undertones.

Palate: The taste is light and nicely oily on the palate. The flavour profile is bold, introducing zesty lemon notes together with a touch of honey. A lovely salty edge and clear hints of seawater are present, evoking a sense of a smoldering fire on the beach. Notes of orange, grapefruit, and creamy vanilla provide a natural sweetness.

Finish: The finish is full and complex, though some notes describe it as rather short (S_S56). It is marked by a gentle smokiness and lingering fruitiness, with the smoke fading quickly to yield to the sweetness again.

4. Pricing & Market Dynamics

The Bowmore Legend CD Giftset is valued as an historical collectible set, positioning it above the price of its original liquid-only counterpart.

Original RRP (GBP): Not stated by the producer.

Current UK retail range (GBP, incl. VAT): 169.00 GBP (S_S35).

Recent UK/EU auction range (GBP, hammer): 85.00 GBP (S_S36).

Pricing stratification: The 85.00 GBP auction price indicates the commodity value of a well-preserved bottle of the discontinued liquid. The specialist retail price of 169.00 GBP highlights the significant premium attached to the scarcity of the complete gift set (including the CD-ROM and presentation packaging).

Liquidity & sourcing note: Liquidity is moderate, with bottles appearing occasionally in specialist auctions. The complete set with CD-ROM is harder to source than the standard bottle.

5. Distillery/Bottler Snapshot (brief)

Bowmore is the oldest licensed distillery on Islay, founded in 1779. It is known globally for its consistently expressive, multi-dimensional single malt. The distillery malts its own barley on-site and maintains a signature house style that balances characteristic Islay peat smoke with coastal maritime notes, sweetness, and tropical fruit. Since 1994, Bowmore has been under the full ownership of the Japanese spirits giant, Suntory (S_S8). The Legend expression exemplifies the lighter, highly approachable end of Bowmore's peated range.

6. Sourcing Playbook

• Target formats/eras to prefer: The highest value lies in the complete 70cl, 40% ABV Giftset with the interactive CD-ROM and outer box.
• Red flags: Be extremely cautious if the set is advertised without the CD or if the CD is damaged, as this eliminates the unique collectible value.
• Condition thresholds (fill/box): The original box/tin must be in very good condition, as this is a presentation piece. The bottle should have high ullage.
• Margin/velocity expectations (qualitative): Low velocity; it is a niche collector item. Margin is highest when the complete set is bought at the lower end of the auction range.