When 007’s favourite wheels meet a legendary single malt, it’s bound to create a stir. Bowmore® and Aston Martin unveil their first collaboration – the darkly hedonistic Black Bowmore DB5 1964 – a limited edition with a date that signifies milestones for both maisons.

Bowmore® Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky and Aston Martin unveil their first collaborative creation; Black Bowmore DB5 1964, a striking concept which brings together an iconic whisky and a legendary car in a bottle of equal parts, featuring exceptional single malt and a genuine Aston Martin DB5 piston.

With only 25 bottles for sale, this exceptionally rare Black Bowmore DB5 1964 is a celebration of time; a definitive moment in history for both Bowmore and Aston Martin. It is also a celebration of shared values and passions; showcasing true innovation and the art of invention.

The Black Bowmore DB5, a collab with Aston Martin, comes in a handcrafted bottle by Glasstorm

A veritable masterpiece; this unique, handcrafted vessel houses an equally exceptional single malt, Black Bowmore. The significance of 1964 is paramount in that it represents a defining era of evolution for both Bowmore and Aston Martin.

For Bowmore (from Beam Suntory), 1964 is arguably one of the most significant points in the distillery’s 240-year history (it is the oldest distillery in Islay, one of the Scottish isles which make up the region known as the 'Islands' in whisky lexicon.) The arrival of a new boiler saw the distillery enter the modern age of distilling, as coal fires made way for steam to heat the stills. It was the first distillation from this new boiler that produced the spirit that was to become the iconic Black Bowmore, a sublimely rich and decadent single malt, reflected in its deep darkness.

First distilled on 5 November 1964, over the years Black Bowmore has become one of the rarest and most sought-after single malt whiskies ever created. This latest release represents only the sixth bottling of this exquisite single malt. Since 1993, only around six thousand bottles of Black Bowmore have been made available, thus adding to the desirability of this iconic whisky.

From a distillery famed for its ‘peaty’ whiskies, the Black Bowmore 1964 is a deep obsidian black in colour, with layers of ripe exotic fruits and crème caramel, when you breathe in its aroma. As time moves on soft tobacco smoke, aromatic orange peel and rich black cherry come to the fore. While tasting, intense flavours of mango, passion fruit, and acacia honey interwoven with a powerful combination of coffee and tobacco smoke, come to the fore. There’s a wonderfully long and decadent finish with tropical fruits and spice, defining over 240 years of craftsmanship. The Black Bowmore 1964 has been aged in a Williams & Humbert Walnut Brown Oloroso Sherry Butt cask, and is 31 years old, with a vintage of 1964 (its ABV is 49.6%).

“1964 represents a significant date in the modern history of the distillery,” says David Turner, Distillery Manager at Bowmore. “Not only a key moment in how we distilled our spirit, but perhaps even more significant as this very spirit went on to create Black Bowmore. These defining moments are fundamental to the history of Bowmore. This collaboration with Aston Martin has allowed us to once again showcase this iconic single malt in the most incredible way.”

Launched in 1963 and made famous by James Bond in 1964, the DB5 was the first road-going Aston Martin to have the 4-litre version of Tadek Marek’s twin-cam straight-six engine first seen in the Lagonda Rapide and the DP215 racing car

For Aston Martin, this was the era of their most iconic car. Launched in 1963 to considerable acclaim, the Aston Martin DB5 is now widely regarded as ‘the most famous car in the world’, not least by virtue of its links to the world’s most celebrated secret agent in 1964, none other than 007.

On its debut the DB5 represented a subtle but important evolution over its immediate predecessor, the DB4 Series 5, not least by virtue of an increase in engine capacity to 4.0-litres. This of course made the DB5 that much more of a sporting saloon which, combined with its exceptional styling, helped it to become one of the most desirable and admired sports cars of its generation. Sir David Brown, the then owner of Aston Martin Lagonda and the man who gave his initials to the ‘DB’ lineage, said of the car: “I believe it is the essential character of the DB5, and its ability to perform perfectly in all conditions, that makes this car so intensely satisfying to own.” It is this relentless pursuit of power with purpose that still helps to define the appeal of Aston Martin today.

“This exciting new association with Bowmore gives us the perfect opportunity to celebrate a vital part of our star-studded history by combining the unrivalled appeal of the iconic DB5 with the cultured flavours of this world-renowned single malt,” says Marek Reichman, Executive Vice President and Chief Creative Officer of Aston Martin Lagonda.

In keeping with a commitment to true craftsmanship, the Black Bowmore DB5 bottle itself is handcrafted by Glasstorm, a bespoke contemporary glass studio, based in north-east Scotland. With over 50 years of glass design, sculpting, and creative expertise, each bottle took up to one week to be complete, reflecting the continued thread of attention to detail and skill which defines this collaboration.

The Black Bowmore DB5, a collab with Aston Martin, comes in a handmade presentation box

Black Bowmore DB5 1964 is presented in a handmade presentation box; itself a work of art. Inspired by the distillery’s coastal home, the deep blue colour and wave embossing evoke a true sense of place. Created from the finest string-grain calfskin, featuring a custom solid brass latch and hinges, plated with nickel, reflective of the DB5.

The partners are set to unveil a series of collaborative projects and products over the coming months and years, ranging from exceptional experiences to design-led product initiatives with the goal of offering fans of the brands, across a broad spectrum, the opportunities to connect with the partnership.

As world-class luxury brands Bowmore® and Aston Martin urge consumers never to drink and drive. Drink Smart® messaging will be integrated into all brand activations around the partnership; while the dedicated Drink Smart® platform ensures communication with legal-purchase age adults about making informed, responsible choices.

https://www.drinksmart.com/reducing-drunk-driving-or-drink-driving