The oldest whiskey brand in the world created a new drink. Bushmills has been distilling whiskey for over 400 years and fans might be tempted to try this new beverage .
The whiskey is still made in the town of Bushmills on the north coast of Co Antrim . The whiskey brand recently announced the launch of a new 14-Year-Old single malt. This new addition joins a lineup comprising the Bushmills 10, 16, and 21-Year-Olds and the recently released 25 and 30-Year-Old expressions.
The new 14 Year Old is finished in Malaga casks which the distillery says makes it "unmistakenly different". Its journey starts in first and second-fill bourbon barrels where it’s matured for a minimum of 14 years.
Following this, it’s then exclusively finished for up to 12 months in Muscat of Alexandria white wine Malaga casks – adding a fruit intensity and smoothness. These specific Spanish casks imbue the whiskey with rich scents of sweet honey, vanilla, and gentle aromas of mandarin orange married with warm spice.
Master blender Alex Thomas said of the new release: "The team here at Bushmills has always had a restless spirit. We have an insatiable curiosity when it comes to whiskey innovation. I really wanted to step out of my comfort zone and create an exciting taste experience for everyone – something a bit unexpected that’s unlike any other expression in our core range."
She continued: "I’ve been on the journey, so I know the 14 Years Old’s exceptional quality is undeniable. I also have a lot of experience with Muscat of Alexandria, the grape variety carefully chosen to produce the Malaga wine we use to season our oak barrels. Wine lovers will know this is one of the oldest grapes in the world and produces incredible flavor profiles. I really feel this is a whiskey for everyone."
Describing the process, Alex revealed that the Spanish fortified wine was patiently left to soak deep into the grain of the oak barrels for four to five years, seasoning the wood with a symphony of summer fruit balanced with a delicate hint of cinnamon and ginger spices. The casks were then sent to the Old Bushmills Distillery just three days after being emptied to ensure optimal freshness and fragrance.
Bushmills remains a popular whiskey brand around the world and visitors to Northern Ireland often make a point of visiting the distillery for a tour. On these tours, guests learn about the unique process involved in distilling Bushmills and how the surrounding area has influenced its flavor.
The water used to make Bushmills whiskey is drawn from the River Bush. The water flows over beds of basalt rock.
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