Aqua Vitae 1997 Bowmore 26 Year Old Single Cask Single Malt Scotch Whisky

Aqua Vitae 1997 Bowmore 26 Year Old Single Cask Single Malt Scotch Whisky is an exceptional mature Islay release, distilled at the legendary Bowmore Distillery in 1997 and matured for 26 years before being bottled in 2023. Drawn from a single hogshead and bottled at natural cask strength of 49.2%, this rare expression captures the beautifully balanced character for which mature Bowmore is renowned combining elegant coastal peat with tropical fruit, citrus and the refined complexity developed through more than a quarter century of maturation. Limited to just 189 bottles worldwide, it represents an increasingly scarce example of long-aged Bowmore from the late 1990s.

Distillery: Bowmore Distillery
Bottler: Aqua Vitae
Age: 26 Years Old
ABV: 49.2%
Cask Type: Hogshead
Cask Number: 108189
Outturn: 189 Bottles 

Founded in Kaohsiung, Taiwan in 2005, Aqua Vitae began as a specialist whisky bar and retailer before expanding into independent bottling in 2017. The bottler has since become recognised for carefully selected single cask releases presented through distinctive themed series and elaborate label artwork. This 1997 Bowmore forms part of the 龍轉乾坤 series and offers collectors the combination of mature Islay spirit, extremely limited availability and the individuality of a single-cask release.

Tasting Notes:
Elegant coastal smoke and mineral salinity open alongside vibrant citrus oils, ripe tropical fruits and touches of maritime brine. With time, layers of pineapple, grapefruit and orchard fruit develop against waxy malt, vanilla, soft medicinal peat and polished oak. The palate is beautifully composed, balancing sweet mature fruit with oily smoke, lemon zest, gentle spice and subtle earthy notes. A long and refined finish carries lingering citrus, mineral smoke, sea salt and delicate oak, leaving behind the graceful combination of fruit and peat that makes well-aged Bowmore so highly sought after.