Bushmills Irish Whiskey has extended its prestigious World Wood series with a rare 12 Year Old Single Malt, exclusively reserved for Asia Pacific travel retail.
It will be available at duty-free stores across the region from the end of October, for an RRP of US$70 for 700ml.
The latest expression reflects the distillery’s commitment to pioneering and perfecting high-quality Irish single malt whiskey, the company noted.
Established in 1608, the world’s oldest licensed whiskey distillery has been guided by this philosophy, which continues to drive the innovation behind some of the world’s most prestigious Irish whiskeys.
Crafted by Bushmills Master Blender Alex Thomas, the World Wood series comprises rare single malt Irish whiskeys which blend tradition and innovations.
The use of premium casks is key to producing this premium whiskeys. Thomas personally sources and hand-selects the casks from some of the world’s finest cooperages and winemakers, some of which have collaborated with Bushmills for generations.
Thomas said: “We search the four corners of the world to find exactly the right casks to bring back to our corner in Northern Ireland.”
The launch of this 12 Year Old Single Malt builds on the successful releases of the 15 & 21 Year Old Single Malt references introduced late last year.
The new addition has been matured in first-fill bourbon barrels from the Kelvin Cooperage in Louisville, Kentucky, for at least 11 years. It was finished in first and second-fill Pedro Ximénez sherry butts from the family-owned Portuguese Tanoaria Palacoulo cooperage, known as Tacopal.
Thomas said: “This single malt breaks the mould entirely, the best expression of two high-quality cask types prepared to our rigorous standards. Our first-fill bourbon barrels add vibrant flavours of caramel, chocolate and apricot. Then, seasoned Pedro Ximénez casks layer on dried fruit notes and allow that sherry character to shine.”
Thomas used a carefully balanced ratio of first and second-fill Pedro Ximénez casks to achieve a perfect blend of the sweetness of the wine, the spicy character of the European oak and the delicate fruity notes of Bushmills’ signature house style.
She added: “We want to impart flavour slowly, so our finishing lasts at least a year – longer than usual. It’s our way of ensuring every drop of our single malt gets to interact with the larger 500-litre Pedro Ximénez casks and take in all those wonderful rich fruit flavours.”
Bottled at 46% ABV, the whiskey offers a complex flavour profile. Sherry seasoning imparts notes of dried fruits and nutty undertones, while the use of ex-bourbon barrels contributes aromas of sweet vanilla, toasted oak and subtle dustings of cinnamon.
The combination of casks complements each other, blending Bushmills’ signature floral and fruity style while adding a unique twist.
Thomas described this expression as “a single malt whiskey that wine drinkers will love – dry with all the luscious natural sweetness, fruit and depth of flavour you’d expect. It has lovely holiday vibes, perfect for evenings shared with friends.” ✈
