Makers of Bespoke and Beautiful Objects, Proportion, Shape and Form.
The limited-edition Bowmore ARC-52 "Mokume Edition," a product of a partnership between two renowned British companies, has finally arrived. On May 26th, Sotheby's in London will auction off this rare collectible, with all proceeds going to The Bowmore Legacy.
This complicated and extremely uncommon 52-year-old single malt required a futuristic vessel, and the unwavering attention to detail and craftsmanship of Bowmore, along with the cutting-edge engineering and exquisite design of Aston Martin, delivered. The 'Mokume-Gane' process used in Japan to create a mixed-metal laminate with unusual layered patterns inspired the design of this limited edition.
Like the lightest and strongest carbon fibre components for Aston Martin's most intense performance cars, such as the ultimate hypercar, the Aston Martin Valkyrie, and the company's Formula 1® challenger, the AMR23, the sculptural top of the ARC-52 decanter was crafted using the finest carbon filaments and construction. Carbon fibre, which is both lightweight and stronger than steel, is extensively used in all of Aston Martin's high-performance vehicles.
The carbon fibre component of the decanter was made using a novel technique that, like mokume, evokes natural materials like wood grain or layered natural rock for an aesthetically pleasing effect. Both the charred wood of the cask in which this exceptional 52-year-old whisky was aged and the dark rocks of Lake Indaal, where the Bowmore Distillery is located, contribute to the finish.
This one-of-a-kind decanter features a futuristic spin on the traditional whisky vessel and is designed to represent the passage of time. The design harmoniously combines natural and artificial shapes, and because it only has two points of support, its form appears to be floating. The foundation for the design was laid in the tenets of Aston Martin, with the goal of producing proportions that look both solid and sophisticated, yet light and airy. The form of the vessel is realised using both modern 3D printing technology and traditional clay modelling techniques. The everlasting beauty of this work of art is the consequence of adhering to the meticulous principles of creating balance and optimal shape that are central to Aston Martin's design ethos.
Marek Reichman, Executive Vice President & Chief Creative Officer, Aston Martin, said: “As makers of bespoke and beautiful objects, proportion, shape, and form, along with careful selection of colours and materials, are incredibly important to us at Aston Martin. And sometimes, nature can be the best of all designers. So, for inspiration of the decanter for this ingenious and special one-off ARC-52 Mokume Edition, we turned to the black rocks in the bay of Loch Indaal, home to the Bowmore Distillery. We imagined walking those picturesque shores, at magic light, and discovering this wonderous treasure, shaped over eons of time by the elements, suddenly appearing at your feet. We think the vessel containing this magnificent whisky reflects the rarity and distinctiveness of the precious spirit found inside.”
A truly multifaceted single malt, this masterpiece was created through a stunning blending of some of the oldest Bowmore vintages from the 1960s, a legendary period in Bowmore distilling.
Ron Welsh, Master Blender at Bowmore, said: “The very concept of ARC is itself spectacular in both form and contents, but this one-off creation adds even greater depth, intrigue, and inspiration to the story of ARC. By creating this unique Mokume edition, we can also fulfil our ambition to ‘give back’ to our homeplace through The Bowmore Legacy, by offering collectors and Bowmore lovers something truly special and desirable. As one of my last projects for Bowmore, this one is exceptionally close to my heart and is the perfect climax to an incredibly rewarding and exciting career.”
Sotheby's is the only place you can get your hands on the limited-edition Bowmore ARC-52 Mokume Edition, which is expected to sell for between £140,000 and £220,000 ($175,000 and $275,000). While on Islay, the winning bidder will have the chance to take the wheel of a special edition Aston Martin DBX Bowmore Edition and visit the historic Bowmore Distillery. Q by Aston Martin, Aston Martin's customization service, hand-built only 18 DBXs with these exclusive Bowmore-branded copper inlays using copper from the original whisky still to highlight the vehicle's side strakes.
The Bowmore Legacy, a long-term, dedicated project to support the employability, training, and housing needs of Bowmore's young people, will receive the proceeds from the auction. This will allow the project to provide vital outcomes such as affordable and supported housing and key employment skills for young people who face barriers to employment.
Bowmore ARC-52 Mokume Edition will be auctioned at Sotheby’s in London on May 26, 2023.
