“Diwali is an important time of celebration"
Bowmore Distillery has launched a limited-edition Diwali-inspired gift pack for its 14 Year Old single malt whisky, featuring packaging inspired by Kalamkari, a traditional Indian art form.
The Islay-based distillery said the release brings together its Scottish heritage and Indian craftsmanship, with the collectable design aimed at the festive gifting season.
Bowmore 14 Year Old (43% ABV) debuted in 2024 as part of the Bowmore Appellations series, a travel retail-exclusive collection developed through collaborations with wine-producing regions.
The whisky is initially matured in ex-Bourbon casks before being finished in hand-selected Bordeaux barriques, bringing together different influences in its production.
The new gift pack takes inspiration from Kalamkari, an Indian art form known for its intricate hand-drawn and block-printed designs. Its name derives from kalam, meaning pen, and kari, meaning craftsmanship or work.
For Bowmore, described as Islay’s oldest licensed distillery, the art form offers a connection through the importance of time and human craftsmanship in both traditions.
The packaging features intricate illustrations, layered textures and shimmering gold detailing across a 360-degree design, creating a collectable presentation intended for premium gifting.
Bowmore 14 Year Old is described as offering aromas of Black Forest gateau, ripe cherries and salted caramel, alongside hints of pine nuts and sea salt.
On the palate, the whisky features notes of salt, spice, cherries, raspberries and strawberries, complemented by hints of bitter dark chocolate.
Vanessa Widmann, Managing Director, Global Travel Retail, Middle East and Africa at Suntory Global Spirits, said:
“Diwali is an important time of celebration, connection and gifting for millions of people around the world.
“We are delighted to collaborate with our travel retail partners on this special edition, which celebrates the artistry of Kalamkari and offers travellers a distinctive gift for the festive season.”
For the launch, Bowmore is introducing a series of travel retail activations timed to coincide with Diwali.
At Delhi Duty Free, a dedicated high-profile promotion will run throughout October and November, providing a prominent platform for the limited-edition release during one of India’s most important gifting periods.
Additional activations are planned for London Heathrow and Bengaluru, where travellers will be invited to discover the whisky through immersive experiences centred on gifting and flavour.
These will include curated chocolate-pairing experiences, allowing shoppers to explore the characteristics of Bowmore expressions alongside complementary chocolates.
