About Bowmore Whisky Distillery
Distillery Number
01496 810441
Distillery Founded
1779
Distillery Capacity
2 000 000 litres
Distillery Status
Active
Distillery Address
Bowmore, Islay, Argyll
Distillery Owner
Morrison Bowmore Distillers (Suntory)
Distillery Address
School Street, Bowmore, Islay, Argyll PA43 7GS
Distillery Website
www.bowmore.com
1779
Bowmore Distillery is founded by John Simpson and becomes the oldest Islay distillery.
1837
The distillery is sold to James and William Mutter of Glasgow.
1892
After additional construction, the distillery is sold to Bowmore Distillery Company Ltd, a consortium of English businessmen.
1925
J. B. Sheriff and Company takes over.
1929
Distillers Company Limited (DCL) takes over.
1950
William Grigor & Son takes over.
1963
Stanley P. Morrison buys the distillery
1989
Japanese Suntory buys a 35% stake in Morrison Bowmore.
1993
The famous, legendary Black Bowmore is launched. The recommended price is £100 (today it is at least ten times that if it can be found). Another two versions are released 1994 and 1995.
1994
Suntory now controls all of Morrison Bowmore.
1995
Bowmore is nominated ‘Distiller of the Year’ in the International Wine and Spirits competition.
1996
A Bowmore 1957 (38 years) is bottled at 40,1% but is not released until 2000.
1999
Bowmore Darkest with three years finish on oloroso barrels is launched. A Claret cask strength is also released in 12,000 bottles.
2000
Bowmore Dusk with two years finish in Bordeaux barrels is launched.
2001
Bowmore Dawn with two years finish on port pipes is launched. A bottle from 1890 is sold at an auction in Glasgow and brings in £14,300 which is a new world record. The Manager Jim McEwan moves to Bruichladdich.
2002
A 37 year old Bowmore from 1964 and matured in fino casks is launched in a limited edition of 300 bottles (recommended price
2003
Another two expressions complete the wood trilogy which started with 1964 Fino - 1964 Bourbon and 1964 Oloroso.
2004
Morrison Bowmore buys one of the most outstanding collections of Bowmore Single Malt from the private collector Hans Sommer. It totals more than 200 bottles and includes a number of Black Bowmore.
2005
Bowmore 1989 Bourbon (16 years) and 1971 (34 years) are launched.
2006
Bowmore 1990 Oloroso (16 years) and 1968 (37 years) are launched. A new and upgraded visitor centre is opened.
2007
Dusk and Dawn disappear from the range and an 18 year old is introduced. New packaging for the whole range. 1991 (16yo) Port and Black Bottle are released.
2008
White Bottle and a 1992 Vintage with Bourdeaux finish are launched.