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In June 2024, we embarked on a five-day journey to the legendary whisky island of Islay to film Bowmore: The Making of a Legend, a documentary for Whisky Magazine. This film delves into the rich history of Bowmore Distillery, Scotland’s oldest distillery on Islay, and explores how it became one of the most sought-after and collectible single malts in the world.
The documentary brings together voices from across the island, offering a deeply personal and insightful look into Bowmore’s legacy. We had the privilege of speaking with key figures, including Rachel McNeill from the Islay Whisky Academy, Peter McLellan from Lucci’s Whisky Bar, David Turner, Bowmore’s Distillery Manager, and Tim Morrison, the former owner of Bowmore. Their stories, alongside stunning visuals of Islay’s rugged beauty and the whisky-making process, form the heart of the film.
Bowmore’s legacy is one of craftsmanship, heritage, and transformation. The film’s narrative explores the origins of whisky-making on Islay, the evolution of Bowmore under the Morrison family and Suntory’s stewardship, and the distillery’s place in the modern whisky landscape.
We wanted to capture more than just the whisky – we aimed to showcase the island, its people, and the traditions that make Bowmore a legend. From the cultivation of peat to the delicate distillation process, we filmed every step that goes into crafting Bowmore’s signature flavour. The film also highlights key milestones in Bowmore’s journey, including partnerships with Aston Martin and the release of ultra-rare expressions, showing how it has cemented its place as a global whisky icon.
With just a few weeks to prepare, we carefully mapped out the locations, interviews, and visual elements to ensure we could capture the essence of Islay and Bowmore in just five days. Research played a key role in shaping our interview questions, helping us bring out the rich personal histories of those who have been part of Bowmore’s story.
Over the course of five days, we filmed across Islay, capturing breathtaking landscapes, the iconic Bowmore Distillery, and the whisky-making process in meticulous detail. From the atmospheric peat bogs to the historic warehouses filled with ageing casks, every shot was carefully crafted to reflect Bowmore’s deep connection to the island.
Our interviews with Rachel McNeill, Peter McLellan, David Turner, and Tim Morrison added depth and authenticity to the story, each sharing their unique perspectives on the evolution of Bowmore and Islay’s whisky heritage.
Bringing the documentary to life in the edit was a rewarding process. We combined footage of the distillery and island with carefully curated archive footage and photography. Motion graphics helped illustrate key moments in Bowmore’s history, and a rich soundscape immersed viewers in the whisky-making process, from the crackling of peat fires to the rhythmic pouring of new-make spirit into casks.
Since its release, Bowmore: The Making of a Legend has been incredibly well received, and we’re thrilled to see whisky lovers and Bowmore fans engaging with the film. It’s a story of tradition, innovation, and passion – a film that pays tribute to one of Scotland’s most iconic distilleries and the people who keep its legacy alive.
If you haven’t seen it yet, pour yourself a dram and check it out – we’d love to hear what you think!
