Beam Suntory-owned Bowmore Islay single malt Scotch whisky has detailed the third release of its acclaimed collaboration with renowned graphic artist and illustrator Frank Quitely.
Named ‘Lovers Transformed’, the release is a duo of limited-edition travel retail-exclusive collectible single malts – a 23 Year Old and a 36 Year Old.
They will be launched in selected travel retail locations from 11 September, including in Mainland China, Finland, France, Germany, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, the Middle East, the UK and the US.
Beam Suntory Brand Marketing Director Global Travel Retail Manuel Gonzalez commented: “We are thrilled to unveil the third release of our collaboration with graphist artist and illustrator Frank Quitely, and explore another captivating Islay myth.
“These two very special collectible whiskies showcase our commitment to creating sought-after exclusives and demonstrate how we are harnessing exceptional storytelling to build our brand presence, and provide compelling propositions for our discerning travelling consumers. We are confident that Lovers Transformed will be yet another sell-out success.”
The expressions in detail
The Lovers Transformed 23 Year Old (50.9% ABV/RRP US$470) is a single malt finished in refill Pedro Ximenez and Oloroso Sherry seasoned European oak casks. There will be 8,000 bottles available.
On the nose, the whisky incorporates the distinctive fresh aroma of Atlantic Ocean sea salt, which gives way to richer notes of toffee, salted caramel, tanned leather, honeycomb, stewed apples, rhubarb and ground ginger, with hints of rose petals and parma violets.
On the palate, the liquid offers sweet, peaty notes of golden maple syrup, demerara sugar, cocoa beans, dark chocolate and liquorice root, with a hint of hazelnut and tannins. The finish is rich and earthy, with a long, honeyed sweetness.
Its partner expression Lovers Transformed 36 Year Old (45.2% ABV/RRP US$4,000) is finished in first fill Pinot Noir wine barriques and is the oldest release to date within the Frank Quitely collaboration. Only 700 bottles will be available.
On the nose, this deep amber whisky combines notes of crisp green apple, violet and fresh pineapple, giving way to herbal scents of sage and thyme, plum, dried cloves and apricots, balanced by sweet, spicy cinnamon and fudge.
On the palate, the whisky opening is oily and earthy, before offering up notes of sweet vanilla, juicy blackcurrants and lemon, with an undercurrent of sea salt, white pepper, liquorice root and oak. The long, rich, smooth finish is enhanced with notes of orange, spice and gentle peat smoke.
The myth behind the artwork
Like their predecessors ‘No Corners to Hide’ and ‘The Changeling’, the Lovers Transformed whiskies were inspired by a myth from the island of Islay.
Lovers Transformed was inspired by the story of the daughter of a Pictish King from the East, who fell in love with a captured Celtic warrior from the West. In their quest to be united, the star-crossed couple set sail from the Scottish mainland to the warrior’s home on the island of Islay.
A thunderous storm sank their boat, and the young lovers – cleaving fast to one another – were claimed by the sea. In the eerie stillness of the following day, the wreckage of the boat was discovered on the rocky shores of Islay. But no trace was ever found of the lovers, save for a pair of white gulls soaring together high in the sky, settling neither to the East nor to the West, as if torn between the two.
To this day on Islay, when two gulls are seen together in an otherwise empty sky, glasses are raised to the legend of the Lovers Transformed.
Both expressions in Lovers Transformed feature exclusive designs from Quitely – well-known for his Marvel and DC Comics illustrations – which visually reinterpret the classic tale, tying to the two whiskies.
Quitely’s illustrations and artwork depict the rich and evocative history of Islay and are crafted to embody the artistic expression of Bowmore’s style. They encapsulate the Lovers Transformed narrative within the packaging, to create two highly collectible, prestige editions.
“To continue to tell these incredible stories through such awe-inspiring and special whiskies is hugely rewarding for me,” said Quitely. “The whiskies themselves are truly captivating, so it is vital for me to ensure I bring them and the incredible mythical tales to life in an equally captivating way in my work.
“When I first heard this story, I was extremely drawn to it and right from the get-go I could imagine the illustration of their final moments together – embracing beneath the surface, like a quiet underwater ballet, whilst a crack of lightning appeared overhead. A truly mesmerising tale of love and commitment, much like the craftsmanship that goes into these beautiful whiskies.” 
