Bushmills Irish Whiskey today unveiled Black Bush 80/20 PX Sherry Cask Reserve, a travel retail-exclusive expression. With an ABV of 40%, it carries a recommended retail price of €32 for one litre.
The new line, from Old Bushmills, the world’s oldest licensed whiskey distillery, comprises 80% Bushmills sherry aged single malt whiskey, partially finished in Pedro Ximénez casks, blended with 20% small-batch distilled Irish grain whiskey. Bushmills said that the PX sherry cask imparts “a deep amber gold hue and a rich taste character” to the liquid.
Colum Egan, Master Distiller at Bushmills Irish Whiskey, said: “We are excited to launch Black Bush 80/20 PX Sherry Cask Reserve. This unique whiskey possesses the renowned character of Black Bush, with added complexity deriving from the Pedro Ximénez sherry casks, characterised by extra layers of sherry sweetness and flavours of rich dried fruits.
“With more than 400 years of whiskey-making heritage, we continue to innovate and introduce new products that consumers will love. Our new Black Bush 80/20 PX Sherry Cask Reserve is the perfect addition to our Bushmills portfolio.”
Proximo Spirits Head of Global Travel Retail Roy Summers added: “As Irish whiskey continues to grow, our focus remains on providing consumers with new experiences and offering travel retail consumers something different to what they find in their domestic markets. We are very proud to introduce the Black Bush 80/20 PX Sherry Cask Reserve exclusively for global travel retail.
“We are committed to maintaining our iconic taste and quality as we continue to bring our signature smooth Bushmills Irish Whiskey to new and existing consumers around the world.”
*Watch out for a special Bushmills campaign to mark the launch of the new Black Bush expression, coming soon in partnership with The Moodie Davitt Report.
Tasting notes (from Bushmills)
Colour: Amber gold
Nose: Big, bold aromas of rich fruitcake and the intense sherry sweetness characteristic of Pedro Ximénez casks
Taste: Soft and silky mouthfeel with a distinctive toasted nut character, hints of allspice and a punch of ripe peaches
Finish: The intricate marriage of smooth triple distilled spirit with PX sherry cask complexity results in layers of flavour, and a long and lingering finish, according to the brand owner.
