Bushmills intros port cask-aged whiskey

Irish whiskey brand Bushmills has launched the second edition in its travel retail exclusive Bushmills Steamship Collection, called Port Cask Reserve.

The new expression – which has been fully matured in ruby port pipes – follows Bushmills Sherry Cask Reserve release in February, which marked the 125th anniversary of the maiden voyage of the SS Bushmills steamship in 1890.

Helen Mulholland, master blender of Bushmills Irish Whiskey, said: “We pride ourselves on understanding the different nuances that different barrels impart on our whiskey. Up to 80% of the character of whiskey comes from the cask, so I make it my mission to travel to Portugal to meet with the craftsmen and estate owners from Douro Valley.

“As a region whose stony soil yields only low quantities of grapes which are of outstanding quality and perfect for making port, it is here where I personally select the best casks for Port Cask Reserve.

“After a seasoning period of at least three years they are emptied and shipped back to Bushmills to be filled with our whiskey – letting the residual flavours from the charred wood work their magic. The result is our trademark rich, complex and smooth triple-distilled single malt whiskey with subtle elegant notes of damson, black coffee and almonds.

“Bushmills Port Cask Reserve has a truly unique story to tell and we are thrilled to offer duty free shoppers a glimpse into the world of flavour exploration and experimentation from Ireland’s oldest distillery.”

The new edition will be available from selected global travel retail outlets from November 2016, presented in a hand-crafted box.

Port Cask Reserve has an RRP of £99 and is bottled at 40% abv.