Aqua Vitae 2002 Bowmore 21 Year Old Single Cask Single Malt Scotch Whisky

Aqua Vitae 2002 Bowmore 21 Year Old Single Cask Single Malt Scotch Whisky is a rare independently bottled Islay release distilled at the legendary Bowmore Distillery in 2002 and matured for 21 years before bottling in 2023. Released as part of Aqua Vitae’s striking Divine Beasts series, this single cask was selected as a joint bottling with renowned Japanese retailer Shinanoya. Drawn from Cask #83 and bottled at natural cask strength, only 185 bottles were produced, combining Bowmore’s unmistakable maritime smoke with mature fruit, citrus and an elegant underlying sweetness.

Distillery: Bowmore Distillery
Bottler: Aqua Vitae
Series: Divine Beasts
Age: 21 Years Old
ABV: 52.30%
Cask Type: Barrel
Cask Number: 83
Outturn: 185 Bottles
Bottled For: Aqua Vitae × Shinanoya Japan

Aqua Vitae is an independent bottler particularly recognised amongst Asian whisky enthusiasts for distinctive single cask selections and highly artistic releases. The Divine Beasts series draws inspiration from mythological creatures presented through Japanese ukiyo-e influenced artwork, combining collectible presentation with carefully selected mature whisky. This 2002 Bowmore was produced in collaboration with Shinanoya Japan, further adding to the release’s appeal amongst collectors of independent Bowmore bottlings and limited Asian-market releases.

Tasting Notes:
A beautifully expressive Bowmore opening with ripe green grapes, citrus oils and sweet orchard fruits layered against maritime peat smoke, green tea and coastal minerality. Sweeter notes of apricot, mango, brown sugar and lemon tart emerge with time, while the palate develops grapefruit, candied citrus peel, toffee and warming ginger spice beneath an oily layer of distinctly Bowmore smoke. The finish is long and increasingly smoky, carrying grapefruit, orange peel, gentle tea-like tannins and lingering coastal peat into a refined, characterful conclusion.