Bowmore Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky is releasing five bottles of its $20,000 50-year-old whisky in Australia.

Only 159 bottles of Black Bowmore 50 Year Old have been created internationally, the fifth and final edition of the exclusive Black Bowmore 1964 distillation, and the last cask to be rediscovered after spending 50 years in cask maturing in Bowmore’s No. 1 Vaults, the world’s oldest Scotch maturation warehouse.

Black Bowmore (ABV 40.9%) was first distilled on November 5,1964, at the Bowmore distillery on Islay. After four acclaimed releases, the first in 1993 and the fourth in 2007, one last cask was rediscovered in the darkest, coolest corner of the No.1 Vaults.

Over the years, Black Bowmore has been acclaimed as one of the world’s most rare and sought-after single malt whiskies ever created. Presented in a bespoke handmade cabinet the beguiling history of Black Bowmore is revealed with each silver contour marking the passing of time since the historic first distillation.

Distillery Manager David Turner, whose grandfather worked on the original bottling over 50 years ago, said: “This last cask of Black Bowmore to be rediscovered not only demonstrates the unparalleled depth and quality of our single malts but cements Bowmore as one of the world’s leading whiskies.”

Bowmore Vault Series on its way

Bowmore is also launching Vault Edit1°n Atlantic Sea Salt (ABV 51.5%, RRP $199) in Australia.

The first release in a four-part limited edition collection of whiskies, it’s been eveloped by the unique atmosphere of Bowmore’s legendary No.1 Vaults, each expression will unlock one of four key flavours; Atlantic sea salt, peat smoke, sweetness and citrus fruits.

Aged in ex-bourbon casks, this first release highlights Bowmore’s distinctive salty flavour profile with notes of salted honeycomb and Atlantic sea spray perfectly balanced with notes of sun-ripened fruits, zingy spiced cocoa and blood orange. Created using hand selected casks, blending innovative styles of maturation, Bowmore Vault Edit1°n Atlantic Sea Salt reflects the distinctive climate in the depths of the No. 1 Vaults. Awash with blackberry, sea salt and kumquat, it offers a lasting finish that opens out like the vast Atlantic Ocean that the Bowmore distillery overlooks.

As part of the Beam Suntory portfolio, Black Bowmore 50YO and Bowmore Vaults (both 700ml) are distributed in Australia exclusively by Coca-Cola Amatil and will be available from premium retailers from the end of July.