Black Bowmore was among the first premium single malt scotch whiskies released in the 1990s.
The first Black Bowmore was released in 1993 with an RRP of £80. Since then, five versions of the iconic Islay whisky have been released and they have become one of the most sought after vintage scotch whiskies achieving as much as £16,500 at auction during market peaks. Despite recent market adjustments, if you purchased your Black Bowmore prior to 2020, there’s a strong chance you’re sitting on a profit.
If you are looking to sell a bottle of Black Bowmore then we can help. Read on for an analysis of the recent market for bottles of Black Bowmore and use the form below to receive a free valuation and advice on how to sell your bottle in 2025.
Sell Your Whisky Today
Please use the form below to submit images of your bottle and receive a free, no-obligation valuation from a specialist auctioneer. We will also actively seek the highest offer from our network of private collectors to help you sell your whisky.
"*" indicates required fields
Black Bowmore Market Analysis
An examination of the 100 most recent Black Bowmore auction sales from March 2021 to March 2025 reveals fascinating market dynamics for this highly coveted Islay whisky. Traditional auction houses consistently achieve 15-25% higher hammer prices than more modern specialist whisky auctioneers, but it is important to consider both seller and buyer premium when deciding who to sell with.
The data shows distinct performance patterns across the three original Black Bowmore releases. The 1st Edition (29 Year Old, bottled 1993) maintains the highest premium, fetching between £7,400-£18,100 in recent sales—significantly outperforming both the 2nd Edition and Final Edition. Regional variations are pronounced, with UK auctions generally achieving stronger results than EU or US sales for identical bottlings.
Market trends indicate a substantial correction from the peak prices seen in 2021-2022, when the average price for 1st Edition bottles was between £13,000 to £16,500. More recent results show a 25-35% reduction from these highs, although prices do seem to be stabilising. The most volatile pricing appears in newer specialty auctions with limited bidder access, while established platforms demonstrate more consistent results.
For collectors who purchased pre-2020, current market conditions still represent excellent value retention despite the adjustment. However, those who acquired bottles during the 2021-2022 market peak may benefit from holding their investment until the market completes its recalibration cycle, which data suggests may be nearing completion as prices stabilise in early 2025.
How to Sell Your Black Bowmore?
As the data above shows, it is important to choose the right time and place to sell your bottle of Black Bowmore. Not all auctions can generate the same results and choosing the right place to sell is important.
If you complete the contact form above, we can connect you with a specialist auctioneer who will provide a free, no-obligation valuation and expert advice on selling your bottle. The best whisky auctioneers will offer a free of charge collection service if you have a number of bottles, or even offer access to their own courier service if you just have a few.
Auctions often take place each month and commission varies from 5-10%+VAT and listing fees. The benefits of auction are a near guaranteed sale (if the reserve is sensible) and a quick payout after the sale. The auctioneer will advise on a suitable reserve in advance of the sale.
Alternatively, you may consider selling to a retailer. However, retailers typically offer around 30–50% of their listed price due to factors like VAT, corporation tax, and slow stock turnover, which can impact their buying decisions more than you might expect. If you sell to a retailer you will be expected to post the bottle to them yourself, although they might help with this too. Payment terms will be quick, but you will likely have to contact around 5-10 retailers to ensure you get the best possible price.
What Is Your Whisky Worth
Do you want to know what your whisky is worth but don’t know where to start?
Use these guides to help you.
What Is Your Whisky Worth? – An in-depth look at the factors affecting your bottle’s value.
A Beginner’s Guide To Selling Whisky – Everything you need to get started selling your whisky including all the online selling options.
How To Sell Whisky Online – A guide to getting a valuations and selling your whisky.
Sell Your Whisky Today – A simple way to sell your whisky fast.
Macallan Specific Guides
The Complete Guide To Valuing Macallan Whisky – Selling Macallan? This is your starting point.
What Is Macallan Whisky Worth? – Unsure of your Macallan’s value? Begin here
