BUSHMILLS 46 YEAR OLD
SINGLE MALT IRISH WHISKEY
BUSHMILLS, NORTHERN IRELAND
When it comes to rarity and scarcity, this release from Bushmills exists in a category all its own: we're talking about the oldest single malt ever released by the world's oldest licensed whiskey distillery — a 46-year-old expression that represents the pinnacle of Irish whiskey-making. With only 300 sequentially numbered bottles available globally, and a mere 100 of those making their way to American shores, this isn’t just another great single malt, folks. It’s a keepsake. And when you consider that most whiskeys with a four-decade plus age statement go in the tens of thousands, this beauty’s a relative deal.
After maturing for nearly half a century in hand-selected Oloroso sherry butts, this extraordinary spirit has taken on a deep mahogany hue that hints at the singular experience you’re in for. Master Blender Alex Thomas has married these ancient casks with the distillery's most elusive reserves dating back to 1978, creating something that showcases everything special about Bushmills, which has been perfecting its craft since 1608 — or, since the time Shakespeare was entering his final phase as a playwright.
The result? Nothing short of magnificent, and one of the finest handlings of sherry aging we’ve tasted in years. Start with the rich and alluring nose: delectable ripe dark fruits and sweet apricot duet with caramel, while the palate serves up an intensely rich array of warming spices — cinnamon, crushed clove, and nutmeg — before giving way to layers of black cherries, sun-dried raisins, and baked stone fruits. The finish is an experience in itself — elegant yet robust, with spiced fruit and gentle oak notes so masterfully woven you don’t have to wonder what 46 years of maturation brings.
Even the presentation honors the legacy: each bottle comes housed in an artisan-carved wooden box, etched with coordinates marking the exact point where the River Bush enters The Old Bushmills Distillery through Saint Columb's Rill. The gold engraving at the heart of the box traces the river's journey to the distillery — the exact same course it's taken since they began distilling over four centuries ago.
In a world of limited editions and rare releases, this 46-year-old expression stands apart — a stirring testament to what happens when time, tradition, and the patient art of whiskey-making come together in perfect measure.