Auction house Sotheby’s is offering a truly one-of-a-kind item this May: the Bowmore ARC-54 Iridos Edition. This unique decanter, designed by Aston Martin, contains a 54-year-old whisky from the Bowmore Distillery, nestled on the picturesque island of Islay, Scotland. It marks the latest collaboration between Sotheby’s and Bowmore, following the successful auction of the ARC-52 Mokume Edition in 2023.
Jonny Fowle, Sotheby’s Global Head of Whisky & Spirits, said, “The ARC-54 Iridos not only features its distinctive iridescent lid, complementing the aerodynamic Aston Martin design, but within the bottle itself is an individual whisky so rare that only one bottle has been made available for sale. In the last few years, Bowmore has consistently achieved the highest results for unique bottles combining age, rarity, vintage specificity, and stunning design, so it’s a special moment for us to be entrusted once again with their latest creation.”
As an exclusive collector’s item, the Bowmore ARC-54 Iridos Edition whisky comes from the 1967 and 1968 vintages, which were aged in European oak, Sherry, and American oak casks. The 1960s are remembered as Bowmore’s golden era, with the distillery’s Black Bowmore production during that time, making these whiskies highly sought after.
Calum Fraser, Chief Blender at Bowmore, said, “This is a whisky which tells a rich and captivating story, beginning in the definitive era of Bowmore and taking shape over more than half a century. In bringing together some of our oldest and rarest whiskies, we showcase not only the infinite layers of flavor achievable in Bowmore but the sheer excellence of just how our spirit excels in cask over time. The intensity of the tropical fruits together with indulgently rich sweetness is truly enticing and makes for the most intriguing and inspired partner for this incredible decanter.”
Sotheby’s will offer this extraordinary bottle through an online auction of Finest Whisky, open for bidding from May 15 to May 29, with an estimated value of £140,000-220,000 ($180,000-$300,000). Proceeds from the sale will benefit the communities surrounding Suntory Global Spirits’ distilleries in Scotland, continuing the legacy of philanthropy seen in the previous Bowmore ARC-52 Mokume Edition auction, where proceeds went to the Islay community.
The decanter itself is a striking work of design, crafted with the same innovative thinking that Aston Martin applies to its high-performance vehicles. Inspired by the aerodynamic shape of the Aston Martin Valkyrie, the decanter features a hand blown form that mirrors the natural fluidity of Islay’s landscape and the car’s venturi tunnels, which contribute to its downforce. The titanium top of the decanter, created through a process used for the Valkyrie’s exhaust system, features a stunning iridescent blue finish. This finish is achieved through extreme temperature changes, which result in a unique multi-layered color pattern, making the decanter as visually captivating as the whisky inside.
Marek Reichman, Aston Martin Executive Vice President and Chief Creative Officer, emphasized the creative partnership, “This remarkable one-off creation is testament to the cutting-edge, technology-based collaboration between two exceptional brands that are steeped in heritage and tradition. ARC-54 Iridos embodies the innovative thinking that we apply to Valkyrie and Valhalla, our mid-engined sports cars. Both of these cars push the boundaries of technology through materials, aerodynamics, and performance. In creating the ARC-54 decanter, similar principles of materiality and fluid dynamics are employed, replacing airflow for liquid movement to create a uniquely formed shape generated by the pure movement of Bowmore whisky. A truly creative collaboration.”
The Bowmore ARC-54 Iridos Edition brings together heritage, craftsmanship, and modern design. This collaboration between Bowmore and Aston Martin is a significant step in the world of collectible whisky, offering a whisky housed in a distinctive decanter.
