Back in 2020, Bushmills released a 28-year Irish whiskey aged in cognac casks for what would be the first in its bespoke Rare Casks line, a series of rare and small-quantity whiskey in which collectors and connoisseurs alike can indulge. Now, the much-anticipated follow-up bottle, which has been aged in Pedro Ximenez sherry casks, has been unveiled by the world’s oldest licensed whiskey distillery.
Bushmills’ 29-Year Single Malt Irish Whiskey becomes the second release in the Rare Casks series. Made from a mashbill of 100% Irish malted barley, the moonshine began the distillation process in copper pot stills in 1992. It then spent over a decade maturing in hand-selected ex-bourbon barrels prior to being re-casked in 2004, where it was finished in first-fill Pedro Ximenez sherry casks for an additional 17 years. It was finally bottled in early 2022.
In its 400-year lineage, Bushmills is considering this new 29-year whiskey to be among its best ever, with the barrel trajectory having allowed this unique spirit to acquire an array of nuanced and complex flavors. Cashews, hazelnuts, and dates hit the nose before the palate experiences notes of dried fruit, praline, and a hint of orange peel, all complementing Bushmills’ signature vanilla warmth before giving way to an endless, buttery finish.
This spectacular batch was brought to life by Master Distiller Colum Egan and Master Blender Alex Thomas. It’s limited to only 500 bottles and available exclusively to the American market, where it can be found via online retailers starting May 5 for around $750.
