OUR HERITAGE

Entrepreneur David Simson acquired a lease on the land in 1766. And so the Bowmore legend began. His investments included the new water supply, from the river Laggan.

William and James Mutter considerably expanded the distillery, transforming it from a small artisan operation to a thriving commercial distillery. Many production techniques they introduced are still used today.

John Bell Sherriff of Campbelltown purchased the distillery for £20,000, and it became the Bowmore Distillery Company. In an unexpected turn of events it entered administration just three years later.

For almost three decades the distillery was owned by an eclectic group of four investors. Over this period the island witnessed hard economic times, with soup kitchens operated at Bowmore.

In 1925 the resurgent Sherriff family re-purchased the distillery. For fifteen years they ran it as a successful business, before production was halted in 1940 due to the war.

With the distillery commandeered by the RAF to assist with the Allies' war effort, production of Bowmore whisky comes to a halt. From 1940-1943 three squadrons operated from the distillery.

While under the guardianship of the Morrison family, the legend of the Seadragon begins to emerge as a central pillar in Bowmore's storied history. The Seadragon goes on to feature heavily in future releases of Bowmore single malt whisky.

Queen Elizabeth II selects Bowmore for her first ever visit to a Scotch whisky distillery, adding a further chapter to our rich and storied history. She was presented with her own cask, bottles from which were later sold to raise money for local charities.

The first of five releases in the Black Bowmore collection is unveiled. To many this remains the most celebrated of Bowmore's rare whiskies collections. All five were distilled in the new floor maltings almost three decades earlier. Black Bowmore is credited with establishing Bowmore's rare releases as highly collectable.

Another remarkable first. For three years in succession the Bowmore Distillery is honoured with a coveted Queen's Excellence Award. A feat that remains unmatched by any other distillery, and which is proudly recorded on the three cask ends.

Bowmore announces The 1957 expression, the oldest Islay single malt ever released. 54 years in the making, just 12 bottles exist throughout the world. Another chapter is written in the No.1 Vaults legendary story.

Two of Britain's most recognised and revered names, Bowmore and Aston Martin, announce a collaborative partnership.

An independent study conducted by Noble & Co recognises Bowmore as among the world's most collectable single malts. The report cited Bowmore's consistently strong performance at auction, and its partnership with Aston Martin.

In support of its 1 of 1 charity, Bowmore donates a one-off bottle of its oldest ever whisky. At auction it attracts a record-breaking £562,500 bid for the charity, the highest at this internationally acclaimed Sotheby's auction.