Whisky Meets Architecture: Bowmore and Snarkitecture Unveil the Captivo Collection

What happens when Islay’s oldest licensed distillery teams up with a cutting-edge New York design studio? You get a masterclass in both flavor and aesthetics.

Bowmore have officially pulled back the curtain on its stunning new release: the Captivo Collection, created in collaboration with globally acclaimed design firm, Snarkitecture.

This highly anticipated release features two 20-year-old single malts that promise not only incredible depth in the glass, but striking, architectural packaging that belongs on a gallery wall.

Here is everything you need to know about Bowmore’s newest masterpieces.

The Collaboration: A Portal to Islay

To bring the Captivo Collection to life, Bowmore tapped Alex Mustonen, co-founder of Snarkitecture. Taking his first-ever step into the world of whisky, Mustonen traveled from New York to Islay for inspiration.

He found his muse in the island's rugged, dramatic landscape and the legendary Bowmore No.1 Vaults—one of the oldest maturation warehouses in the world. The resulting bottle and packaging designs feature intricate "portal" motifs that draw you into the world of the whisky.

"I drew similarities between how Bowmore's whisky is made, and how I approach an architectural environment," Mustonen explains. "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 Whisky: Two Takes on 20-Year-Old Excellence

The Captivo Collection offers two unique expressions, each shaped heavily by a distinct cask journey.

1. Bowmore Captivo Oak Voyage

• ABV: 50.8%

• The Maturation: Spent two decades resting in American oak ex-Bourbon casks before a final aging period in American oak Oloroso sherry butts.

• Tasting Notes: Expect an opening of dark cherry, candied orange, and Manuka honey. The mid-palate introduces an unexpected flash of cool eucalyptus and toasted oak, which gives way to a finish of smooth vanilla sweetness and Bowmore's signature whisper of campfire smoke.

2. Bowmore Captivo Sherry Cask Pursuit

• ABV: 51.8%

• The Maturation: This expression matured in a combination of Spanish oak Oloroso sherry and American oak ex-Bourbon casks, before receiving a rich finish in Oloroso sherry hogsheads.

• Tasting Notes: Rich and complex, it features tropical fruit and cracked black pepper balanced by soft oak and smoked toffee. The finish lingers with sweet peat smoke and charred mango. 

"Designed to Reward Exploration"

Dr. Calum Fraser, Master Blender for Scotch and Irish at Suntory Global Spirits, noted how well the two whiskies complement each other.

"These beautifully aged whiskies are intentionally designed to reward exploration and reveal layers of flavor over time," said Fraser. "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."

Whether you are a collector of exceptional Scotch, an aficionado of modern design, or someone looking to secure an investment-grade bottle, the Captivo Collection delivers on all fronts.