Bowmore Distillery, situated on the Isle of Islay within the Inner Hebrides of Scotland, is renowned for producing distinguished Scotch whisky. Established in 1779, Bowmore is one of the oldest distilleries in Scotland and holds the distinction of being the oldest operational distillery on Islay.

History

Founded by local merchant John P. Simson in 1779, Bowmore Distillery passed into the ownership of the Mutter family, known for their innovative contributions to the distillation process. Under James Mutter's leadership, Bowmore introduced pioneering techniques, including the use of a small iron steam ship to import barley and coal from the mainland and export whisky to Glasgow. The distillery temporarily ceased production during World War I and hosted the RAF Coastal Command during World War II for anti-submarine warfare operations.

In 1925, J.B. Sheriff & Co. acquired Bowmore from the Mutter family, followed by ownership changes until Stanley P. Morrison and James Howat formed Stanley P. Morrison Ltd. in 1951. Morrison's Bowmore Distillery Ltd. was established in 1963 to manage Bowmore Distillery, marking the beginning of its modern era. Suntory Global Spirits acquired Morrison Bowmore Distillers Ltd. in 1994, integrating Bowmore into its portfolio of esteemed whisky brands.

Production

Bowmore Distillery prides itself on its traditional production methods, including floor malting, although much of the barley used is imported due to insufficient local supply. The distillation process involves fermentation in wooden washbacks, followed by double distillation in copper pot stills. The distillery's annual production capacity is approximately two million liters.

Waste heat generated during distillation is utilized to heat a nearby public swimming pool, demonstrating Bowmore's commitment to sustainability and community support.

Products

Bowmore offers a diverse range of whiskies, including core expressions like Bowmore Legend, Bowmore No. 1, Bowmore 12 Year Old, Bowmore 15 Year Old Darkest, and Bowmore 18 Year Old. Limited editions such as Bowmore 18 Year Manzanilla Cask, Bowmore 19 Year French Oak Barrique, and the exclusive Bowmore 1964 cater to whisky enthusiasts seeking unique and rare releases.

The distillery also produces travel retail exclusives and special edition bottlings, ensuring a wide array of options for collectors and connoisseurs alike.

Ownership and Legacy

Today, Bowmore Distillery operates under Morrison Bowmore Distillers Ltd., a subsidiary of Suntory Global Spirits. As part of this esteemed group, Bowmore continues to uphold its legacy of producing high-quality single malt Scotch whisky, cherished by whisky enthusiasts worldwide.

For more information about Bowmore Distillery, its products, and visitor experiences, please visit their official website or contact them directly.