Bushmills Irish Whiskey has made its boldest move yet in the ultra-prestige category with the release of its oldest single malt Irish whiskey to date: the 46 Year Old ‘Secrets of The River Bush.’ With only 300 bottles available globally, this exceptional release represents a significant milestone for the world’s oldest licensed whiskey distillery.
Master Blender Alex Thomas emphasized the historic nature of this release. “For me this isn’t just a smooth, rare single malt whiskey, it 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, deeply authentic and full of flavor, this is Bushmills at its best,” said Thomas.
The ultra-premium expression celebrates the River Bush, which has flowed through the heart of Bushmills since the brand’s founding in 1608. This waterway, running over beds of black basalt rock iconic to the Giant’s Causeway region, has been integral to every drop of Bushmills Irish Whiskey produced for over 415 years. Without the river there would be no Bushmills Irish Whiskey,” says Thomas. “The two are inextricably linked.”
Crafting The Bushmills 46 Year Old ‘Secrets of The River Bush’
This rare Irish single malt is a marriage of Bushmills’ most elusive reserves dating back to 1978. The liquid matured for nearly half a century in Oloroso sherry butts from the Antonio Paez Lobato Cooperage in Jerez, Spain, which impart its deep mahogany color.
The resulting whiskey offers an aromatic profile featuring ripe dark fruits, sweet apricot, caramel, and gentle oak on the nose. The palate delivers an intensely rich mix of cinnamon, crushed clove, and nutmeg spices, complemented by sweet black cherries and apricots, finishing with notes of roasted coffee, oak, and warm toffee.
“This remarkable liquid just shows you what time can do. I reflect on the team who laid it to rest in our warehouses 46 years ago. We couldn’t do what we do without those guys and their legacy is everything to this single malt,” Thomas added. The fact I too have the privilege to leave something for the next generation is just so special. To be a master blender has always been a dream come true. To release the oldest whiskey from the world’s oldest licensed whiskey distillery is a true honor.”
Premium Packaging And Availability
‘Secrets of the River Bush’ comes housed in a bespoke handcrafted hexagonal presentation box. The walnut case features topographical elements that pay tribute to the River Bush, Bushmills village, and the surrounding landscape.
Gold engraving along the center of the box traces the river’s journey to the Old Bushmills Distillery – a path it has followed long before Bushmills began distilling in 1608.
Bottled at 46.3% ABV, the Bushmills 46 Year Old ‘Secrets of the River Bush’ carries an MSRP of $12,500. Each bottle is individually numbered, with only 300 available globally.
Read the full article at Bushmills Unveils World’s Oldest Single Malt Irish Whiskey