The Islay-based Bowmore Distillery has announced the launch of a new limited-edition single malt collection, in collaboration with internationally acclaimed design studio Snarkitecture.

The Bowmore 20 Year Old Captivo Collection, comprises Bowmore Captivo Sherry Cask Pursuit (51.8% ABV) and Bowmore Captivo Oak Voyage (50.8% ABV), bringing together two disciplines united by craftsmanship, creativity and the pursuit of discovery.

Just as Bowmore’s whiskies reveal layers of flavour with every sip, Snarkitecture’s work encourages people to look deeper and experience the unexpected. Each release has its own story of provenance and exploration, brought to life through the drinking experience and the bottle and packaging designs, created by Snarkitecture co-founder Alex Mustonen.

Bowmore Captivo Sherry Cask Pursuit, is said to offer new dimensions of flavour, drawing on the influence of Spain and evoking a sense of adventure from the bodegas of Spain back to Islay.

This expression has matured in Spanish oak Oloroso Sherry and American oak ex-Bourbon casks, before receiving an Oloroso Sherry hogshead finish. It offers notes of tropical fruit and cracked black pepper, balanced by soft oak and smoked toffee, with a lingering finish of sweet peat smoke and a touch of charred mango.

Bowmore Captivo Oak Voyage, is described as showcasing the influence that time and purposefully selected oak casks have on Bowmore’s spirit, as well as the journey the whisky undertakes to develop the flavours locked within the wood.

This expression has matured for two decades in American oak ex-Bourbon casks before being finished in American oak Oloroso Sherry butts to optimise richness and complexity. The whisky opens with notes of dark cherry, candied orange and Manuka honey, complemented by an unexpected touch of cool eucalyptus and toasted oak, before finishing with smooth vanilla sweetness and a delicate whisper of campfire smoke.

Each whisky is represented by its own bottle and packaging design, reflecting its individual character. Travelling from New York to Islay, Mustonen drew inspiration from the island’s natural landscape and the hidden depths of the distillery, including Bowmore No. 1 Vaults, one of the world’s oldest maturation warehouses.

Commenting on the launch, Dr Calum Fraser, Master Blender, Scotch and Irish at Suntory Global Spirits, said: “These beautifully aged whiskies are intentionally designed to reward exploration and reveal layers of flavour over time. While Bowmore’s signature style remains at their heart, balancing citrus, sweetness and delicate smoky notes, each expression showcases the influence of different oak casks in a distinct way.”

“The richness of Oak Voyage and the smooth sweetness of Sherry Cask Pursuit demonstrate the remarkable impact of time and cask selection. Snarkitecture has captured that sense of discovery brilliantly, creating designs that express the individuality of each whisky while remaining true to Bowmore’s heritage.”

Alex Mustonen, added: “Stepping into the world of whisky is a first for Snarkitecture. I drew similarities between how Bowmore’s whisky is made and how I approach an architectural environment. In architecture, spaces and objects invite people to look again and question their assumptions. I discovered whisky-making shares a similar philosophy, rewarding time, patience and curiosity.”

“I think about my projects as moments for people to cross thresholds into spaces that feel unlike day-to-day experiences. I approached the Captivo creative in a similar way, with the artwork acting as a portal into the world of Bowmore; into something extraordinary.”

The Bowmore Captivo Collection Sherry Cask Pursuit and Oak Voyage are now both available from the distillery website, with RRPs of £320.00 and £312.00 respectively. Oak Voyage will also be available at Harrods in the UK from September 1st, followed by the US, Asia, Northern Europe and Canada, while Sherry Cask Pursuit will also be available in select global travel retail outlets later this year.