Bowmore 1996 16 Years Old bottled 2012 Morrison and MacKay (MMcK) Càrn Mòr Stricly Limited Edition 46,0% alc by vol. 700ml 844 bot.

Here is a detailed review of the Bowmore 1996 16 Years Old Morrison & MacKay Càrn Mòr Bequest Limited Edition (46.0% vol.):

1. general data

• Description: Bowmore 1996 16 Years Old "Càrn Mòr Bequest"

• Bottler: Morrison & MacKay (Independent Bottler)

• Series: Limited Edition - only 800 bottles worldwide

• Distillery: Bowmore (Islay, Scotland)

• Year of distillation: 1996

• Bottling date: 2012

• Age: 16 years

• Alcohol content: 46.0% vol. (natural, unchill filtered)

• Cask type: Bourbon cask (typical for the "Bequest" range)

• Filling quantity: 700ml (EU standard)

2. sensory profile

Character: Typical of Bowmore in the 1990s: pronounced elegance instead of brutal peatiness. Smoke serves as the basis for fruity/maritime nuances.

3. special features & market relevance

• Rarity:

  • 844 bottles - extremely limited, today almost exclusively available at auction.

  • "Bequest" series: Special line from Morrison & MacKay for selected, mature casks.

• Maturation:

  • Ex-bourbon cask emphasises Bowmore's fruity side and reduces the "medicinal" character (compared to sherry casks).

• Price development (2024):

  • Auction prices: €500-€700 (depending on condition, original box increases value).

  • New price (2012): Approx. €80-€100 - strong increase in value due to limitation.

• Positioning:

  • Target group: Connoisseurs and collectors who appreciate Bowmore's subtle side.

4. strengths & weaknesses

5. comparison with official bottlings

• Bowmore 18YO (Official):

  • More sherry influence (darker, nuttier), less smoke.

  • Bequest 1996 is fruitier, more direct and smokier - shows pure bourbon cask DNA.

• Bowmore Tempest (Official):

  • Clearly more peaty/aggressive - the Bequest, on the other hand, comes across as more refined and complex.

6. overall rating

• Collector: Outstanding - limited edition, vintage, IB status and natural bottling make it a coveted object.

• Drinkers: A highlight for bourbon barrel lovers - shows Bowmore's elegance beyond the mass-produced goods.

• Investment: Stable increase in value to be expected (especially with original box).

Recommendation:

• Buy when available (auctions, specialised dealers) - as a collector's item or to enjoy.

• Storage: Unopened, with box, upright, dark & cool.

• Alternatives: Bowmore bottles from the late 1990s from IBs (e.g. Signatory, Cadenhead).

Summary:
An exclusive, limited bottling from Morrison & MacKay, showcasing the fine, bourbon-accented profile of Bowmore in its prime (1990s). A well-balanced masterpiece for connoisseurs in terms of flavour and a treasure that will retain its value as a collector's item.

🥃 Ready to drink: Immediately - does not need to mature further. Best enjoyed neat or with a drop of water.

If you have any questions about current auctions or comparison bottles - please ask!