Bushmills bottles world’s oldest Irish single malt
Proximo-owned Bushmills Distillery has unveiled the oldest Irish single malt whiskey ever to be released.
Bushmills 46 Year Old ‘Secrets of the River Bush’ is said to mark a bold step into the world of ultra-prestige single malts for the world’s oldest licensed whiskey distillery.
Due to its age, the whiskey has had two generations of whiskey makers care for it, and as such ‘infuses the legacy of decades and time-honoured secrets in every sip’.
The single malt is described as a celebration of the River Bush and its journey over the beds of black basalt rock – the same rock that is synonymous with the world-famous Giant’s Causeway situated close to the distillery.
Flowing through the heart of the distillery since the brand’s story began in 1608, the water has played an ‘intrinsic role’ in the whiskey created by Bushmills for more than 415 years.
Matured in oloroso Sherry butts from the Antonio Paez Lobato Cooperage in Jerez, Spain, this Irish single malt is described as an ‘artful’ marriage of Bushmills’ most elusive reserves, dating back to 1978.
Bushmills master blender Alex Thomas said: “This isn’t just a smooth, rare single malt whiskey, this is real history in the making. For 46 years, we’ve patiently watched over this remarkable liquid and witnessed it transform into this rich, dark beauty. This is Bushmills at its best.”
On the nose, ripe dark fruits, sweet apricot, caramel and gentle waves of warm oak are presented, while an intensely rich and spicy medley of cinnamon, crushed clove and nutmeg aromatic spice follows on the palate.
This then develops into sweet black cherries and apricots, before finally giving way to waves of roasted coffee, oak and warm toffee. The finish is smooth yet robust, with lingering spiced fruit.
Thomas continued: “This stunning whiskey just shows you what time can do. For nearly half a century it has gradually breathed in the wood and matured slowly. It’s rich and authentic, and full of flavour straight from the cask – creating a bold unprecedented experience for the whiskey connoisseur.”
Bushmills 46 Year Old ‘Secrets of The River Bush’ is housed in a bespoke handcrafted hexagonal presentation box. Each detail of the walnut case pays tribute to the River Bush, Bushmills village, and the undulations of the surrounding landscape. Meanwhile the gold engraving along the centre of the box reflects the journey of the River Bush to the Old Bushmills Distillery.
‘Secrets of the River Bush’ is bottled at 46.3% ABV, with 300 sequentially numbered bottles made available globally with an RRP US$12,500.
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