Bowmore Legend

Crafted from a selection of the finest North American bourbon barrels, which help to bring out its trademark characteristics, Bowmore Legend is a fitting tribute to the very first Islay malt. So much so that it has become something of a legend in its own right, among single malt whisky lovers everywhere.

Legend has it that the greatest Scottish warrior of all, Fionn mac Cumhaill - also known as Fingal (as in the famous Fingal's Cave) - was walking across Islay with his two massive hounds, Bran and Seeolang. Fionn, who was possessed of supernatural powers and superhuman strength, hoisted a large standing stone and threw it half-way across the island - into the depths of Loch Indaal - for his dogs to fetch back.

The splash made by the stone stirred the sea-dragon Kranna Dubh from his thousand year sleep. Kranna swam to the shore at Bowmore to do battle. It ended with Kranna mortally wounded by Fingal's magical sword, Mac a' Luin, his dark blood seeping into the waters.

To this day, the sea-dragon's image appears on the Bowmore label. And it is said, when the sun sets, Loch Indaal turns red with his blood - and that local mothers scold their children severely, if they ever catch them pitching stones into the Loch.