Marking the long-awaited collaboration between Islay Scotch brand Bowmore and luxury car maker Aston Martin, the Black Bowmore Aston Martin DB5 1964 is available at Sotheby's 48 hours only flash sale happening right now. 

Distilled in 1964, the rare Black Bowmore was first bottled in 1995. The 31-year-old single malt whisky is available for bidding at Sotheby’s and carries an estimate of US$100,000 to US$200,000. Only 25 of the 27 bottles produced were released, with the remaining two reserved for the distillery’s archive.

Black Bowmore Aston Martin DB5 1964 | Estimate: US$100,000 - $200,000

Black Bowmore Aston Martin DB5 1964, presented in a string-grain calfskin box

The limited release was matured in a Williams & Humbert walnut brown Oloroso Sherry butt and bottled at 49.6% ABV. The palate is first greeted by smooth, fruity notes of mango, and passion fruits, with subtle hints of acacia honey, before the coffee and tobacco smoke finish off the flavors. 

The collaboration harkens back to a revolutionary year for both Bowmore and Aston Martin. Founded in 1779, Bowmore's Scotch whiskies are known for their unmistable smoky flavor profile, compared to creations from regions such as Speyside, Highlands, and Lowlands.

Back in 1964, when Bowmore updated their distillery with its first steam boiler, which put an end to the use of coal fired stills. The very same year also marked Aston Martin DB5’s appearance in the first James Bond movie Goldfinger. 

The Aston Martin DB5's on-screen appearance in the 1964 James Bond blockbuster Goldfinger

The exact car used in the filming of Goldfinger, sold for US$6,385,000 at RM Sotheby’s Monterey, 2019

The hand blown glass bottle design was based on the sophisticated car’s actual engine piston and is crafted by Glasstorm, a glass studio located in Scotland, while the presentation box crafted from string-grain calfskin features such details as brass latches and nickel plated hinges that complete the British aesthetics. 

In November 2020, Sotheby’s also announced that five archive bottles of Black Bowmore, spanning 1993 to 2016, will be offered in the spring of 2021. Estimated at HK$4,000,000 (US$500,000), the proceeds from the sale will be donated to an Islay charity. Whisky aficionados who are looking to acquire the complete Black Bowmore collection in a bespoke cabinet should stay tuned because the winning bidder will also be invited to the distillery for a tasting of Bowmore’s iconic single malts.

48 Hours Only | Black Bowmore x Aston Martin DB5 1964 (Online sale)

Auction house: Sotheby’s New York

Dates: Now until February 10, 9am EST