Bushmills Irish Whiskey Launches a New Addition to Its Acclaimed 'World Wood Series'
Bushmills, renowned pioneers in smooth single malt Irish whiskey, are set to expand their prestigious ‘World Wood Series’ with the release of a new 12-Year-Old Single Malt, finished in Pedro Ximénez Sherry casks. This latest addition to the series exemplifies Bushmills’ legacy of craftsmanship, blending over four centuries of expertise with some of their rarest, hand-selected casks sourced from around the globe. The 12-Year-Old will be available exclusively through Duty-Free outlets across the Asia Pacific region at the end of October 2024.
As the world’s oldest licensed whiskey distillery, Bushmills has been perfecting the art of Irish single malt since 1608. This relentless pursuit of excellence continues to drive innovation, producing some of the world’s most prestigious Irish whiskeys.
The ‘World Wood Series,’ curated by Bushmills’ Master Blender Alex Thomas, is a testament to this dedication. Combining tradition with modernity, the series features rare single malt whiskeys aged in exceptional casks sourced from leading cooperages and winemakers worldwide. Alex hand-picks these casks, maintaining long-standing relationships with many who have collaborated with Bushmills for generations. "We search the four corners of the world to find exactly the right casks to bring back to our corner in Northern Ireland," she says.
Following the successful launch of the 15 and 21-Year-Old Single Malts in late 2023, this 12-Year-Old expression is the newest addition to the collection. The whiskey is matured for 11 years in first-fill bourbon barrels from Kentucky’s renowned Kelvin Cooperage, followed by a finishing period in first and second-fill Pedro Ximénez sherry casks from Portugal’s esteemed Tanoaria Palacoulo cooperage.
Alex passionately adds:
“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."
Alex adopted a carefully calibrated blend of first and second fill Pedro Ximénez casks to achieve an ideal harmony between the wine's sweetness, the spicy qualities of European oak, and the subtle fruity notes characteristic of Bushmills’ unique style.
Alex adds:
“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 500L Pedro Ximénez casks and take in all those wonderful rich fruit flavours.”
Bottled at 46% ABV, this whiskey boasts a luxuriously complex flavor profile that is truly remarkable. The sherry seasoning infuses it with notes of dried fruits and a hint of nuttiness, while the use of ex-bourbon barrels adds enticing aromas of sweet vanilla, toasted oak, and delicate hints of cinnamon. The combination of these casks creates a harmonious blend, enhancing the core floral and fruity character that Bushmills is known for, while introducing a unique twist.
Alex describes this describes this 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.”
Bushmills 12 Year Old Single Malt from the World Wood series is a Global Travel Retail exclusive, available throughout Asia Pacific Duty Free stores from the end of October, priced at $70 for 700ml.