A heritage moment. . . .

By Gary S. Vasilash

Quick quiz.

This is Marek Reichman, Aston Martin Executive Vice President and Chief Creative Officer comments. What is he talking about?

“Bowmore ARC-54 continues the cutting edge, technology-based collaboration between two exceptional brands that are steeped in heritage and tradition. It embodies the innovative thinking that we apply to Valkyrie and Valhalla, our mid-engined sports cars.”

If you guessed the Bowmore ARC-54 is a car, you’re wrong.

It is something that probably shouldn’t be associated with cars, or at least not used with cars.

It is a limited-edition whisky (130 decanters total) distilled by Bowmore, a distillery that’s been in operation since 1779.

This whisky—aged in 2^nd Fill European Oak Sherry Butt and 3^rd Fill American Oak Hogshead; 61.8% European Oak aged spirit and 38.2% American Oak aged spirit, the two parts are united for 15 months—is 54 years old.

Dr. Calum Fraser, Bowmore Chief Blender, said:

“A Bowmore as exquisite and complex as this 54-year-old is testament to the skills of our distillery team, but also the very embodiment of what can be achieved simply by slowing down, standing still and letting things unfold as they are destined to. This rare creation truly demonstrates just how Bowmore ages exceptionally over time, with unmatched precision and clarity. As guardians of this spirit, we strive to harness the power of the past in every drop that we create – whilst constantly reimagining Bowmore for the next generation that will experience our whiskies.”

The “slowing down” is somewhat ironic in that Aston Martin is about going fast.

Incidentally: in 1968 Aston Martin produced the DBS.

James Bond drove one in the movie On Her Majesty’s Secret Service. Unfortunately, that was a George Lazenby Bond.