via Christies:
We begin the section with a fantastic consignment delivered directly
from Bowmore, the first Islay distillery. Called 'The Bowmore Trilogy',
the three-bottle lot includes Bowmore Gold, recently released from the
distillery and appearing for the first time in the United States at auction.
THE 1964 TRILOGY
Christie's is delighted to offer the first 1964 Bowmore Trilogy at auction.
A truly significant event for whisky collectors across the globe, the release
of Gold Bowmore in the Fall of 2009 completes the Trilogy, with the Gold
joining the Black (released in 2007), and the White (released in 2008).
In 1964, the Bowmore distillery began utilizing steam-powered stills rather
than the original coal-fired units, which enabled more precise temperature
control, and resulted in much smoother and more consistent spirits. It is
from those stills that this particular trilogy was born, with each of the three
colors (Black Bowmore, White Bowmore, and now Gold Bowmore) coming
from the same year.
In 2007, just 827 bottles were produced of Black Bowmore which had been
matured purely in Oloroso casks for an ebony color that was matched by
aromas of exotic fruits, ginger, and cinnamon. White Bowmore followed in
2008 with only 732 bottles produced, and was characterized by maturation
in Bourbon casks, and scents of melon, mango, and papaya. This year, Gold
Bowmore joins the group, with only 701 bottles available worldwide. Gold
Bowmore was placed in three Bourbon casks and one Oloroso sherry cask
before being meticulously blended together. This precious expression quietly
matured below sea level for 44 years in the Number 1 vault, allowing the
namesake rich, gold color to develop, along with a balance of complex aromas
and flavors including those of exotic fruits, creamy vanilla, and gentle peat
smoke.