Front view of the original Bowmore whisky barrel head against a stone wall, with SHERRIFF'S, 1956 and 181 markings.

Angled view of the original Bowmore 1956 cask head, showing its dark rim and joined oak boards against stone.

Close-up of SHERRIFF'S, Bowmore Distillery and Islay lettering on the original cask head, showing the surface and board joins.

Bowmore cask head marked 1956 and 181 on a timber wall above a tasting-room counter with whisky glasses.

Bowmore 1956 whisky barrel head displayed on a light wall above a cream sofa in a Scandinavian living room.

Pale Bowmore 1956 cask head with SHERRIFF'S lettering on dark panelling beside a leather armchair.

Bowmore 1956 whisky barrel head with dark lettering above a walnut sideboard in a mid-century living room.

Bowmore 1956 barrel head on a timber wall beside a stone fireplace and leather chair in a chalet.

Bowmore 1956 whisky cask head on a pale dining-room wall above a rustic oak table.

Bowmore 1956 barrel head with black lettering displayed above a counter in an oak-panelled kitchen.

Bowmore 1956 cask head on a green wall between library bookshelves, above a globe and leather chair.

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Bowmore 1956 Whisky Barrel Head Wall Art

Name: Bowmore 1956 Whisky Barrel Head Wall Art
Brand: Barrel Craft Studio
SKU: BCS-BH-BOW-1956-181
Price: 249 GBP
Availability: InStock

Price

£249.00

This is an original Bowmore whisky barrel head, carrying the year marking 1956, cask reference 181 and the historic SHERRIFF'S name. Its historical interest comes from its genuine cask origin and the markings that connect this individual piece to Bowmore's earlier distillery identity. The joined oak boards and surface marks keep that working character visible. I have hand-finished the head in my one-person workshop near Loch Lomond for indoor wall display. It measures 50 cm in diameter and 4 cm deep, and is ready to hang. One original piece is available.

A cask head with its own character

The face carries SHERRIFF'S, BOWMORE DISTILLERY, BOWMORE and ISLAY lettering. The lines between the boards and the marks across the surface remain part of its appearance. I work with that individual character, giving the oak a new purpose without making every piece look the same.

Bowmore in the 1950s

The 1956 marking sits within an interesting chapter of Bowmore's history. William Grigor bought the distillery in 1950, and Stanley P. Morrison acquired it in 1963. The Sherriff name dates back to an earlier ownership: the family returned to Bowmore in 1925. It continued as a trading name after the Morrison purchase. That background gives context to the lettering on this head; the marking itself does not establish the age of the wood or the whisky.

Product details

Distillery: Bowmore, Islay
Year marking: 1956
Cask reference: 181
Material: Reclaimed oak whisky barrel head
Diameter: 50 cm
Depth: 4 cm
Display: Ready to hang; indoor wall art
Hand-finished by: Marcin at Barrel Craft Studio, near Loch Lomond, Scotland
Availability: One of one - one finished piece available

Where it works in your home

At 50 cm across, this cask head can sit above a drinks cabinet, beside a bookshelf or on a clear wall in a living room. The pale face stands out against dark panelling, while the black lettering gives it definition on a lighter wall. It also makes a personal gift for someone with a particular fondness for Bowmore or Islay whisky.

This listing is for the single finished Bowmore cask head shown, with one available. A barrel head is the circular end of a cask: the purchase is the wall piece, with no whisky, furniture or room accessories included. The supplied room images show suggested interior settings.

Frequently asked questions

What is this Bowmore wall art made from?

It is made from a reclaimed oak Bowmore whisky barrel head, also known as a cask end. I hand-finish it for indoor wall display in my workshop near Loch Lomond.

What are the dimensions, and is it ready to hang?

The head measures 50 cm in diameter and 4 cm deep. It is supplied ready to hang. Select wall fixings to suit your wall and the weight of the piece.

What do 1956 and 181 mean on this piece?

1956 is the year marking and 181 is the cask reference on the head. The year is not a whisky age statement and does not independently date the wood or every mark on its surface.

Will I receive this exact cask head?

Yes. This listing is for one finished Bowmore head, with only one available. The interior arrangements illustrate ways to display it.

Looking after the oak

Display indoors, away from damp, strong direct sunlight and direct heat. Dust with a soft, dry cloth. The piece is ready to hang; choose wall fixings suitable for your wall and the weight of the head. If you would like advice before ordering, email info@barrelcraftstudio.co.uk.

An independent Barrel Craft Studio product made from reclaimed cask material. Not affiliated with or endorsed by Bowmore.

About this piece

An original Bowmore whisky cask head carrying the historic SHERRIFF'S name, the year marking 1956 and cask reference 181. Its genuine cask origin and identifiable markings make it a distinctive piece of Bowmore heritage. Hand-finished near Loch Lomond, 50 cm across and 4 cm deep, ready to hang. One original piece available.