The Islay-based Bowmore Distillery has announced that a bottle of its rare and limited-edition ARC-54 whisky is now available to buy through the purchase of a Non-Fungible Token (NFT).

Bowmore ARC-54 – Bottle No. 128 (44.3% ABV) is a 54 Year Old single malt Scotch whisky, which was distilled in 1968 and matured in the distillery’s No. 1 Vaults for more than half a century.

Aimed at what the brand describes as super-premium whisky connoisseurs with a passion for digital experiences, Bowmore is combining blockchain, NFT, and Near Field Communication (NFC) technology for the first time to enhance both the ownership and enjoyment of its spirit.

The proof-of-ownership NFT provides access to the tokenised Bowmore ARC-54 and is paired with an integrated NFC chip embedded in the neck of the physical bottle. This chip verifies authenticity and registers when the bottle has been opened, prompting the buyer to claim a proof-of-consumption NFT.

This secondary NFT can be displayed in the owner’s digital blockchain library and unlocks additional rewards, including exclusive brand experiences. The initiative builds on Bowmore’s recent collaboration with Avalanche, a decentralised Layer 1 platform, which previously tokenised bottles of Bowmore 12 Year Old and 30 Year Old.

Bowmore ARC-54 – Bottle No. 128, named in reference to 128-bit computing, is said to offer aromas of vanilla, butterscotch, shortbread, mango, peach, orange zest, toasted oak, candied walnuts and finely chopped eucalyptus mint. On the palate, it reveals notes of green apple, bergamot, lime, salted caramel, ginger, cinnamon and gentle peat smoke.

The buyer will also receive a bespoke luxury experience on Islay, including exclusive after-hours access to the distillery, tastings of ultra-rare expressions, fine dining, and a private cruise.

Commenting on the launch, Kirsteen Beeston, Senior Global Marketing Director, Scotch & Irish at Suntory Global Spirits, said: “As one of the most collectable single malts in the world, Bowmore is leading the way in offering a collectable online experience. While Bowmore ARC-54 is a coveted asset, we also encourage people to enjoy and share this extraordinary whisky. With this technology, the opened bottle becomes a new chapter in digital form, not the end of the experience.”

Bowmore ARC-54 – Bottle No. 128 is now available for collection in Singapore or London, using stablecoin or US dollars, for £90,000.