DBX by Bowmore is fuelled by the maker’s association with the well-known maker of single malt whiskey.

DRINK drive sensitives are potentially never higher than at this time of the year, so perhaps announcement of an Aston Martin that earns ‘limited edition’ status through a tie-up with a high-end whiskey is bound to raise … well, eyebrows as much as any cheer.

Aston has explained the impetus for the Bowmore Edition of its DBX sports utility all about capturing the essence of two luxury British brands.

Bowmore is a known single malt whiskey distillery, sited in Islay, Scotland.

This version of the $330,000 DBX, Aston’s first SUV and considered vital to its maker, was created by the in-house bespoke service, Q by Aston Martin, and only 18 will be made.

Although Bowmore Edition models are globally available, part of the buy-in is that an owner achieves delivery during a private lifestyle experience at the distillery.

“Aston Martin DBX has provided the perfect canvas for the highest level of Q by Aston Martin customisation,” Aston Martin boss Marek Reichman is quoted in an overnight release.

“The Aston Martin and Bowmore brands share the same vision of creating timeless beauty and a lasting legacy, loyal to their heritage but also embracing new methods and this is reflected in the DBX Bowmore edition.”

A car fuelled by whiskey isn’t to be taken literally – the DBX’s V8 drop of choice is s high octane petrol – but there are plenty of cues.

For instance, Bowmore-branded strips from the copper whiskey stills are inlayed into the side strakes and Bowmore Tweed accents the interior.

Inside, there are polished copper cup holders, while the sill plaques are made from recycled copper from the Bowmore still.

There’s also hand-laid copper foil detailing on the gloss black centre console trim inlay, and each car features a selection of specially designed Q by Aston Martin accessories such as the Bowmore tweed picnic blanket and leather holdall.

One of the bespoke paint colours is called Bowmore Blue, while the other is Xenon Grey.

“We cannot wait to welcome each of the owners of this beautiful car to our distillery on Islay and show them all that Bowmore and our island home have to offer,” says Francois Bazini, global managing director of Scotch at Beam Suntory, owners of Bowmore.

“Although we make entirely different products, our shared values and passion are very much aligned so you can expect more exciting announcements in the future.”

Customer deliveries are planned to take place in the final quarter of next year.