This spring, whisky collectors and enthusiasts alike have a rare opportunity to acquire a true masterpiece: the Bowmore ARC-54: Iridos Edition. This unique decanter, designed by Aston Martin, houses a 54-year-old single malt whiskycrafted by the legendary Bowmore Distillery on the Isle of Islay.
Following the record-breaking sale of the Bowmore ARC-52 Mokume Edition in 2023, the Iridos Edition will go under the hammer through Sotheby’s during an online auction from 15 to 29 May 2025, with an estimate of £140,000–220,000 ($180,000–300,000). Bid on Sotheby’s
A Whisky From Bowmore’s Golden Era
Blended by Bowmore’s Chief Blender Calum Fraser, the ARC-54 is a vatting of some of the distillery’s oldest casks from the 1960s – widely considered a golden era in Bowmore’s history. The whisky includes spirit from:
- A 1967 European oak butt
- A 1968 Sherry butt
- A 1968 American oak hogshead
These decades are best known for the iconic Black Bowmore, with rich tropical and fruit-laden flavours that collectors revere.
“This is a whisky which tells a rich and captivating story,” says Fraser. “The intensity of the tropical fruits together with indulgently rich sweetness makes for the most intriguing and inspired partner for this incredible decanter.”
Tasting Notes: Bowmore ARC-54 Iridos Edition
ABV: 42.3%
Colour: Burnished chestnut
On the Nose:
Lush tropical fruit – think guava, desiccated coconut, and charred pineapple – lifted by sweet orange zest, figs, dates, and a whisper of menthol.
On the Palate:
Layers of lemon meringue, mango, toasted almonds, and gentle Islay peat smoke, all rounded out by notes of creamy fudge and toasted oak.
The Finish:
Long and smooth, with passion fruit, subtle sweet spice, and a lingering hint of peat.
For more legendary Bowmore expressions, explore our recent monthly whisky newsletter on The Cask Connoisseur.
The Aston Martin Influence: Iridos Design Inspired by the Valkyrie
The decanter’s design is a collaboration with Aston Martin, taking inspiration from the Valkyrie hypercar. The flowing aerodynamic lines of the car are mirrored in the hand-blown glass decanter, while the titanium top features an iridescent finish created using the same thermal processes as Valkyrie’s exhaust system.
“This one-off creation is a testament to cutting-edge design,” said Marek Reichman, Chief Creative Officer at Aston Martin. “It replaces air flow with liquid movement, shaping a vessel that celebrates Bowmore’s extraordinary whisky.”
Auction Details and Community Impact
The proceeds of the ARC-54 Iridos auction will benefit the communities surrounding Suntory Global Spirits’ Scottish distilleries, continuing Bowmore’s tradition of giving back to Islay and beyond.
Recent Bowmore auction highlights include:
- Bowmore STAC 55-Year-Old 1962 – sold for £562,500 (2023)
- ARC-52 Mokume Edition – sold for £187,500 (2023)
- Bowmore Onyx 51-Year-Old 1970 – sold for £400,000 (2021)
A New Benchmark in Collectible Whisky
As only one bottle of Bowmore ARC-54: Iridos Edition exists, this release sets a new bar for luxury and rarity in the world of single malt. With Bowmore’s legacy and Aston Martin’s engineering artistry behind it, this whisky promises to be not only a drink to savour but a once-in-a-lifetime collectible.
