Matured Exclusively and Uniquely in First Fill Sherry Casks for 10 Years
Islay, Scotland (November 14, 2013) –The Charlie Daniels Band famously sang that “The devil went down to Georgia/He was looking for a soul to steal” but that’s not true. The devil was really at the Bowmore Distillery on Islay, searching for an escape.
Bowmore, the first Islay Single Malt whisky, introduces THE DEVIL’S CASKS Small Batch Release, set to arrive in the US late November/early December with a suggested retail price of $89.99. With just 1,302 bottles allocated for the US, this devil will sell out quickly.
The legend on Islay is that the devil once visited the Round Church in the village of Bowmore. The Round Church, as its name implies, is in fact circular and it was built that way so there would be no corner in which the devil could hide. The local congregation spotted the devil in the church and chased him down through the village and into Bowmore Distillery’s famed No. 1 Vaults. Here, as the warehousemen were filling casks and loading them aboard a paddlesteamer, the devil was lost. It is believed that he escaped into a cask of Bowmore bound for the mainland.
This story was the inspiration for Devil’s Casks which is matured exclusively – and uniquely – in the finest first fill sherry casks which help bring out Bowmore’s intense qualities and show off its deep mahogany color and rich fruitcake and dark chocolate flavors. Bowmore’s The Devil’s Casks Small Batch Release is a spellbinding potion that is non chill-filtered and offered at cask strength (56.9% ABV).
“Ten years’ maturation in first fill sherry casks has brought out Bowmore’s fiery characteristics,” said Iain McCallum, Master of Malts for Bowmore. “The notes in this dram are hot and seductive. This small batch release is quite simply, devilishly good.”
Tasting Notes
On the eye, a deep mahogany.
Breath in dark fruits, birch tar, fruitcake, maple syrup and the seductive warmth of old leather and brandy.
Sip rich fruitcake, dark chocolate, fruits, tobacco and angelica root.
Savor the exceptionally long and full-bodied finish.
THE BOWMORE DISTILLERY
Founded in 1779, Bowmore is the oldest Distillery on Islay. Islay malts are famous for their characteristic smokiness and Bowmore is no exception. Bowmore carefully smokesits malt and uses skills handed down from generation to generation to craft a perfectly balanced single malt. Bowmore’s adherence to traditional production methods helps to shape the character of its single malts – they are one of only a few distilleries anywhere which still produces its own floor malted barley, hand-turned by traditional wooden malt shovels. It draws water from the Laggan River, with its rich peaty overtones, and it’s the same Islay peat that fires the malt drying kiln.
Bowmore Distillery’s close proximity to the sea is also vital in determining the final character of the spirit. The famous Bowmore No. 1 Vaults is where most of the whiskies spend their time resting quietly in the cool, dark, damp cellars below sea level, oblivious to the waves thrashing the Vault’s sea-facing wall. They mature in oak casks, previously used for bourbon, sherry or claret, gradually developing rich and mellow flavors. It’s this combination of peat, barley, sea breeze, water, wood, people and tradition that together create the perfectly balanced warm and smoky character of Bowmore single malt whiskies.
ABOUT BOWMORE
The award-winning Bowmore portfolio includes Bowmore Legend, 12 Years Old, 15 Years Old Darkest, 18 Years Old and 25 Years Old in addition to special limited-edition bottlings such as Bowmore Black, White, Gold and Bowmore 40 Year Old and more. Bowmore is available nationwide in the U.S. and in more than 45 countries worldwide. The Bowmore portfolio is imported to the U.S. by Campari America. For more information: www.bowmore.com, www.facebook.com/bowmore,@Bowmore1779
ABOUT CAMPARI AMERICA
Campari America is a wholly owned subsidiary of Davide Campari-Milano S.p.A. (Reuters CPRI.MI – Bloomberg CPR IM). At the heart of Campari America are two legends in the American spirits industry. The first, Skyy Spirits, was founded in San Francisco back in 1992 by the entrepreneur who invented iconic SKYY Vodka. The second is the world-famous Wild Turkey Distillery in Lawrenceburg, Kentucky, where they have been making the world’s finest whiskies since the 1800’s. Both companies were purchased by Davide Campari-Milano and together they form Campari America, which has built a portfolio unrivaled in its quality, innovation and style, making it a top choice among distributors, retailers and consumers. Campari America manages Gruppo Campari’s portfolio in the US with such leading brands as SKYY® Vodka, SKYY Infusions®, Campari®, Wild Turkey® Straight Kentucky Bourbon, American Honey®, Russell’s Reserve®, Glen Grant® Single Malt Scotch Whisky, Cabo Wabo® Tequila, Espolón® Tequila, Appleton® Estate Rum, Wray & Nephew® Rum, Coruba® Rum, Ouzo 12®, X-Rated® Fusion Liqueur®, Frangelico®, Cynar®, Carolans Irish Cream®, Irish Mist® Liqueur, Sagatiba® Cachaça and Jean-Marc XO Vodka®. Campari America is also the exclusive US distributor of Bowmore® Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky, Auchentoshan® Lowland Single Malt Scotch Whisky, Glen Garioch® Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky, McClelland’s® Single Malt Scotch Whisky, Flor de Caña® Rum, Midori® Melon Liqueur, Hibiki® Whisky, Hakushu® Single Malt Whisky, and The Yamazaki® Single Malt Whisky.Campari America is headquartered in San Francisco, California. More information on the company can be found at www.campariamerica.com, www.facebook.com/campariamerica, Twitter: @CampariAmerica and www.caparigroup.com.Please enjoy Campari America brands responsibly and in moderation.