Bushmills Irish Whiskey has launched a new 14-year-old single malt.
It joins a line-up that comprises the Bushmills ten-, 16- and 21-year-olds and the recently released 25- and 30-year-old expressions.
Unlike its sherry-inspired siblings in the Bushmills Prestige range, the new 14-year-old is finished in Malaga casks.
‘Exciting Taste Experience’
“The team here at Bushmills has always had a restless spirit,” said master blender Alex Thomas.
“We’ve 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.”
‘Beautiful Smoothness’
Bushmills’ 14-year-old single-malt Irish whiskey starts in first- and second-fill bourbon barrels, where it is matured for a minimum of 14 years.
Following this, the whiskey is then finished for up to 12 months in Muscat of Alexandria white-wine Malaga casks, adding a ‘luscious fruit intensity and beautiful smoothness’.
Spanish Casks
The Bushmills team believes that the Spanish casks imbue the whiskey with rich scents of sweet honey and vanilla, and gentle aromas of mandarin orange married with warm spice.
On the palate, Bushmills noted that whiskey enthusiasts can expect an enticing union of mango, pineapple and apricot, with hints of cinnamon, vanilla, and warm caramel.
This all precedes a long, crisp and comforting finish.
Craftsmanship
Talking about the craftsmanship of the new whiskey, master blender Thomas proudly highlights 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.
Thomas is confident that the warm, mellow taste and fresh fruity notes of the 14-year-old will intrigue wine lovers, welcome fledgling whiskey drinkers, and excite whiskey’s most “passionate flavour explorers alike.”
‘A Whiskey For Everyone’
“I’ve been on the journey, so I know the 14-year-old’s exceptional quality is undeniable,” said Thomas.
“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 flavour profiles. I really feel this is a whiskey for everyone.”
