The legendary Black Bowmore – one of the most highly sought after and collectible whiskies in the world – was released by Morrison Bowmore Distillers in 1993. Bottled as a 29 year old from some sublime sherry casks laid down in 1964, it remains one of the world’s truly magnificent malts.
What is less known is that both the official release and the name itself was coined and inspired by The Gillies Club – Australia….
The very first club bottling and import by the Gillies was a 17yo Bowmore from one of the famed 1964 sherry butts. Bottled in 1981, the colour of the whisky was ridiculously dark and members started referring to it as the “Black Bowmore”. Four years later in 1985, the club bottled a second cask from the same parcel of 1964 casks, bottled as a 21yo. Debate continues amongst members as to which was the superior bottling!
Brian Morrison, a family member and shareholder of Morrison Bowmore Distillers – owners of Bowmore distillery – was actually a member of the Highland Branch of the Gillies, courtesy of having spent time in Australia. When the distillery came to bottle its official “Black Bowmore in 1993, Brian recalled the Gillies’ bottlings and re-applied the name.
The letter below was sent to members in August, 1981 to inform members about the Black Bowmore bottling…
