BUSHMILLS RARE CASK LIMITED RELEASE NO. 4
31 YEAR OLD SINGLE MALT IRISH WHISKEY
BUSHMILLS, NORTHERN IRELAND
Why Buy: Bushmills has the largest stock of aged whiskey in Ireland, and one of the greatest collections of aged single malt whiskey anywhere in the world, and this limited-release, small-batch bottling is delicious testament to the glory of that vault: a triple distillation of their signature single malt that aged in hand-selected bourbon and Oloroso sherry casks for 14 years before undergoing a second, 17-year maturation in three "first fill" virgin American oak barrels.
The Allocation: We have only 60 bottles in our possession.
What They’re Saying: The 2021 release of the Rare Cask Series took home 95 points from Whiskey Advocate, the highest score from an Irish whiskey that year. Though the current bottling has yet to be rated, we’re confident it’s going to rate just as highly.
The Story: This is just the fourth release of Bushmill's Rare Cask Series, and, as their detail-minded team tells us, it was distilled in October 1991 – or, to put that into perspective, the tail end of George Bush the Elder's first and only term of office. Of course, if we're talking numbers then we have to talk about 1608. That's when whiskey-making began in the historic village of Bushmills, in County Antrim, in Northern Ireland. And that's what birthed what is, today, the oldest licensed whiskey distillery in the world. And when you pour a bottle of Bushmills, that's what you're pouring: a legacy of more than 400 years, with all the tradition, knowledge, craft, and dedication that goes along with it.
Note of Distinction: This is one of the smallest small-batch releases ever produced at The Old Bushmills Distillery.
Our Tasting Notes: Just a beautifully matured single malt, with the kind of harmony and integration that can only come from this kind of double maturation and a full three decades in cask. You might expect, after all that time, for the nose and palate to be modulated, but the fruit character is pronounced, and alive, not just on the nose but also on the palate. What is so marvelous here, though, is that no one element stands out; all are woven into a seamless knit that transports you from your troubles. A triumph.
ABV: 45.6% (91.2 proof).
Fun Fact: At the turn of the 19th century, Bushmills had become so popular that, according to The Spirits Educator, the company purchased its own steamship, the SS Bushmills, to "deliver whiskey across the world."
Our Guarantee: We always buy and source directly from the estate, so rest assured: your single malt will arrive in your hands with pristine provenance. Secure your order today!
*Offer NOT valid in-store. This offer is made pre-arrival, with spirits estimated to be delivered to your preferred store in Summer 2024. All sale prices are the lowest available at Total Wine & More and ONLY valid through Concierge Sales. No further discounts or coupons may be applied. Offer not valid in KS, MI, NC, NY, SC, TN, VA, & WA. This offer will expire on Sunday, March 24, 2024.
