Sotheby’s to Offer Bowmore ARC-54: The ‘Iridos Edition’
Sotheby’s to Offer Bowmore ARC-54: The ‘Iridos Edition’, A Unique Decanter Designed by Aston Martin Featuring an Equally Unique 54-Year-Old Whisky from the Bowmore Distillery
Online Auction Open for Bidding from 15 to 29 May 2025
LONDON, 30 April 2025 – This spring, Sotheby’s will present at auction Bowmore ARC-54: Iridos Edition, a unique decanter designed by Aston Martin housing an equally unique 54-Year-Old whisky from Bowmore Distillery on Islay, Scotland. The offering marks Sotheby’s latest partnership with Bowmore following the sale of the Iridos Edition’s predecessor – the one-of-a-kind Bowmore ARC-52 Mokume Edition – in 2023.
Crafted from some of Bowmore’s oldest vintages from the 1960s by Calum Fraser, Chief Blender, the bespoke single malt was drawn from two cask types: a 1967 European oak butt, a 1968 Sherry butt and a 1968 American oak hogshead. The mid to late 1960s at Bowmore is considered a golden era, a period during which the famed Black Bowmore was distilled. The vintages produced have gone on to become highly sought after by collectors.
Bowmore ARC-54 Iridos Edition will be offered by Sotheby’s London in an online auction of Finest Whisky, open for bidding from 15 to 29 May, with an estimate of £140,000-220,000 ($180,000-300,000). Proceeds from the auction will benefit the communities which support Suntory Global Spirit’s distilleries in Scotland. This follows on from the donation of the proceeds from the auction of Bowmore ARC-52 Mokume Edition to the Islay community.
This one-off release calls on the world of automotive engineering from Aston Martin Valkyrie for its distinctly complex design. The striking shape of the handblown decanter takes inspiration from the F1-inspired aerodynamic exterior of the Aston Martin Valkyrie hypercar, as well as the full-length venturi tunnels that contribute to in the region of 1,100 kg of downforce, and the natural fluid forms of the terroir of Islay.
Taking its name from the Latin origin of the word combining ‘rainbow’ and ‘iridescent’, the titanium top of the decanter has been created using the same process applied to the Aston Martin Valkyrie’s exhaust system. Milled from a single billet of titanium which, like the exhaust of the Valkyrie, was then subjected to extreme changes in temperature, both hot and cold, to create a unique iridescent bluing patternation on the metal. The finish achieved is visually and technically stunning, with multi-layered facets of colours emerging from every angle.
Jonny Fowle, Sotheby’s Global Head of Whisky & Spirits, said: “This marks the second partnership between Sotheby’s and Bowmore to offer at auction a completely unique version of their Aston Martin ARC collaboration. The ARC-54 Iridos not only features its distinctive iridescent lid, complimenting the aerodynamic Aston Martin design, but within the bottle itself is an individual whisky so rare that only one bottle has been made available for sale. In the last few years, Bowmore have consistently achieved the highest results for unique bottles combining age, rarity, vintage specificity and stunning design, so it’s a special moment for us to be entrusted once again with their latest creation.”
Marek Reichman, Aston Martin Executive Vice President and Chief Creative Officer comments: “This remarkable one-off creation is testament to the cutting edge, technology-based collaboration between two exceptional brands that are steeped in heritage and tradition. ARC-54 Iridos embodies the innovative thinking that we apply to Valkyrie and Valhalla, our mid-engined sports cars. Both of these cars push the boundaries of technology through materials, aerodynamics and performance. In creating the ARC-54 decanter, similar principles of materiality and fluid dynamics are employed, replacing air flow for liquid movement to create a uniquely formed shape generated by the pure movement of Bowmore whisky. A truly creative collaboration.”
Calum Fraser, Chief Blender at Bowmore, said: “This is a whisky which tells a rich and captivating story, beginning in the definitive era of Bowmore and taking shape over more than half a century. In bringing together some of our oldest and rarest whiskies, we showcase not only the infinite layers of flavour achievable in Bowmore but the sheer excellence of just how our spirit excels in cask over time. The intensity of the tropical fruits together with indulgently rich sweetness is truly enticing and makes for the most intriguing and inspired partner for this incredible decanter.”
About Sotheby’s
Established in 1744, Sotheby’s is the world’s premier destination for art and luxury. Sotheby’s promotes access to and ownership of exceptional art and luxury objects through auctions and buy-now channels including private sales, e-commerce and retail. Our trusted global marketplace is supported by an industry-leading technology platform and a network of specialists spanning 40 countries and 70 categories which include Contemporary Art, Modern and Impressionist Art, Old Masters, Chinese Works of Art, Jewelry, Watches, Wine and Spirits, and Design, as well as collectible cars and real estate. Sotheby’s believes in the transformative power of art and culture and is committed to making our industries more inclusive, sustainable and collaborative.
About Bowmore®
For over 240 years, Bowmore distillery has stood on the shores of Lochindaal. Here facing the wild Atlantic Ocean, is home to the legendary No.1 Vaults and the mysterious alchemy within. We are more than an Islay distillery. We are the oldest licensed distillery here.
Since 1779, we’ve been harnessing time in the creation of our exceptional Bowmore whiskies. This time has enabled us to hone our skills and make intentional choices. This means only Bowmore can unlock the depth and breadth of character.
From the careful and intentional ethos at the heart of the Bowmore distillery, every step and stage of the process is considered. We put flavour first. Taking traditional techniques and uniting them with creative vision we can ensure that each component plays its part. From floor maltings and peat smoke drying, to the long fermentation and slow distillation. The result of this precise and measured approach can be seen in the distinct flavours that Bowmore is famous for. A truly multidimensional whisky always promising more layers of flavour.
Every bottle of Bowmore celebrates our ability to mature with excellence, aging like no other to capture the definitive expressive character of Bowmore. Over time, our spirit evolves perfectly in cask, creating an enviable inventory of maturing stock and enabling an iconic archive of releases.
Our signature; a remarkably expressive character. We are defined by rich and fruity flavours with a smouldering complexity. Each sip of Bowmore is truly captivating. It beckons you, holding your full attention, pulling you into the present moment. This is the uniquely mesmerising magic which always reveals more, in every moment, in every sip. From flavour to flair, there is always more in the glass and in the moment.
About Aston Martin Lagonda
Aston Martin’s vision is to be the world’s most desirable, ultra-luxury British brand, creating the most exquisitely addictive performance cars.
Founded in 1913 by Lionel Martin and Robert Bamford, Aston Martin is acknowledged as an iconic global brand synonymous with style, luxury, performance, and exclusivity. Aston Martin fuses the latest technology, time honoured craftsmanship and beautiful styling to produce a range of critically acclaimed luxury models including the Vantage, DB12, DBS, DBX and its first hypercar, the Aston Martin Valkyrie. Aligned with its Racing. Green. sustainability strategy, Aston Martin is also developing alternatives to the internal combustion engine, with an ambition to create the world’s most thrilling and highly desirable electric performance cars, the first of which is targeted for launch in 2026.
Based in Gaydon, England, Aston Martin Lagonda designs, creates, and exports cars which are sold in 56 countries around the world. Its sports cars are manufactured in Gaydon with its luxury DBX SUV range proudly manufactured in St Athan, Wales. The company is on track to deliver net-zero manufacturing facilities by 2030.
Lagonda was founded in 1899 and came together with Aston Martin in 1947 when both were purchased by the late Sir David Brown, and the company is now listed on the London Stock Exchange as Aston Martin Lagonda Global Holdings plc.
2020 saw Lawrence Stroll become the company’s Executive Chairman, alongside significant new investment. This coincided with Aston Martin’s return to the pinnacle of motorsport with the Aston Martin Aramco Formula One® Team and commenced a new era for the iconic British marque.
