Bowmore 2002/2020 Adelphi FC Anniversary 17 years old Single Islay Malt Whisky 70 cl 60,8%

A single cask. 202 bottles. An Islay malt that spent 17 years building its story. Bowmore 2002/2020 from Adelphi is not just a bottling — it's a celebration cast in glass.

Expert's description

Bowmore 2002/2020 Adelphi FC Anniversary 17 Year is an Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky bottled as a Single Cask at 60.8%. Distilled at Bowmore on 5 October 2002 and bottled on 12 February 2020 from cask no. 20128 — undiluted and entirely unfiltered. Only 202 bottles. A very specific, very Danish bottling made to celebrate FC Whisky Danmark's 20 years in the business.

Behind Adelphi Selection stand two whisky enthusiasts who over 20 years built what started as a hobby project into an import business with a meticulously curated portfolio. Their approach is uncompromising: of 25 tested casks, Adelphi will typically approve one. That is the standard this bottle was bottled to.

Tasting notes

Nose

Rich and concentrated. Darkly caramelised fruit, orange peel and a powerful gust of Islay's maritime smoke — salt, seaweed and coastal air mingle with fat vanilla and warm spice.

Palate

Powerful at 60.8% — best with a drop of water, where dark fruits open up: figs, raisins and a round sweetness. Bowmore's characteristic peat runs all the way through.

Finish

Long and warming. Oak, salt and a gentle bitterness. The smoke holds on for a dry, mineral close.

Specifications

Name: Bowmore 2002/2020 Adelphi FC Anniversary 17 Year
Distillery: Bowmore
Bottler: Adelphi Selection
Region/Country: Islay, Scotland
Type: Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky
ABV: 60.8%
Size: 70 CL
Cask type: Single Cask, cask no. 20128
Non-chill filtered: Yes
Natural colour: Yes
Distilled: 05.10.2002
Bottled: 12.02.2020
Number of bottles: 202

Flavour profile

Smoky · Maritime · Fruity · Powerful · Spiced

Investment potential

Medium to High. Only 202 bottles, released exclusively for the Danish market as a anniversary edition. Adelphi single casks from Bowmore vintages of the early 2000s perform well on the collector market.

Did you know?

Adelphi Selection takes its name from a now-closed distillery in Glasgow, founded in 1826. To this day the bottlers carry forward the philosophy from those times: find the one exceptional cask, and let it speak for itself.

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Frequently asked questions about Bowmore 2002/2020 Adelphi FC Anniversary 17 Year

Is a 17-year-old Bowmore at 60.8% worth it?

Absolutely. The combination of long maturation, high strength and a highly respected independent bottler produces a whisky of genuine complexity and depth — a level of experience you rarely find in the standard range.

How does the cask strength affect the taste?

At 60.8% the whisky is bottled directly from the cask without dilution. You control the strength yourself by adding water. Even a few drops opens up the flavours significantly — try starting neat, then adding water gradually.

What should I expect from 17 years of maturation?

Bowmore develops deeper fruitiness with age — dried fruit, chocolate and dark sherry notes sit alongside the characteristic Islay smoke and a trace of sea salt. 17 years gives balance and considerable complexity.

What makes this bottling special?

It was created as a 20th anniversary release exclusively for FC Whisky Danmark — a named occasion that makes it highly specific and traceable. Only 202 bottles were produced from a single cask, with no filtration or added colour.

Does this bottle have investment potential?

Yes. Adelphi bottlings from early 2000s Bowmore vintages with an anniversary designation attract collectors — but this is primarily made to be drunk.

How should I store it?

Standing upright, in darkness at a stable temperature. Keep the cork tight once opened and aim to finish within one to two years for best results.

What is Adelphi Selection?

An Edinburgh-based independent bottler with roots going back to 1826. In recent years they have also opened their own distillery in Argyll. They are known for selecting exceptional single casks and bottling with minimal intervention.

What characterises Bowmore's style?

Bowmore is the most balanced of Islay's major distilleries — peat smoke is present but not overwhelming, and the distillery is known for combining maritime notes with flowers, citrus and sherry sweetness. Browse our full selection of Islay Whisky.