“We’re Not The Best Because We’re The Oldest, We’re The Oldest Because We’re The Best”
By Colum Egan (Head Distiller at Bushmills Distillery)
The Old Bushmills Distillery has recently announced the launch of Bushmills 12-Year-Old Single Malt Irish Whiskey. The launch is worth a celebration as the distillery is launching the release for the first time exclusively in the U.S. beverage markets. The Irish whiskey launch is the first product to be released under the care of now Master Blender, Alex Thomas.
The Old Bushmills Distillery appointed Alex Thomas as the new Master Blender in November 2021, naming her as “one of the rising stars of Irish whiskey”. Thomas succeeded previous Master Blender Helen Mulholland. Thomas was born in Ballymoney, North Ireland. Thomas joined The Old Bushmills Distillery in 2004. Since then, Thomas has showcased dedication, passion, and exceptional skills in the art of blending and Irish whiskey making. In 2017, Thomas was appointed as the master blender for The Sexton Single Malt whiskey, which became a huge success. Last year, Sexton Irish Whiskey was announced as the official whiskey partner for the AMC’s zombie horror series- The Walking Dead Finale. For more information visit the link.
A prepared statement from Bushmills notes that Thomas will be responsible for nurturing the Irish whiskey’s portfolio of aged single malts, spearheading product development, and working alongside Master Distiller Colum Egan.
“The Old Bushmills Distillery holds a very special place in the history of Irish single malt and the whiskey category as a whole, and it is a true privilege to be appointed as Master Blender. Bushmills 12 Year Old is an exceptional malt that speaks to our rich brand history and expertise, and I am thrilled that it will be released to the United States for the first time while under my care as master blender.”
By Alex Thomas
The release of New Official Design Packaging
“The new bottle, designed by New York agency Stranger and Stranger, is broad-shouldered and angular, taking inspiration from the Causeway’s legendary columns and integrates features such as its hexagonal punt mirroring the Causeway stones. Vibrant colors and discrete embossing on the side panels look to Bushmills’ 1608 heritage and iconic pot still. Crafted parchment labels are complemented by varnished wooden cork closures for the 10, 12 and 16 Year Old while a matte black cap sets off the gunmetal label and gold features of the 21 Year Old.”
According to The Whiskey Wash
Bushmills 12-Year-Old Single Malt Irish Whiskey official launch also showcases the brand’s new bottle and packaging for their single malts Irish whiskies range. The Single Malt whiskey range includes 10-Year-Old, 12-Year-Old, 16-Year-Old, and 21-Year-Old. The new bottle design is elegant with a dimensional appeal. The bottle is hexagonal with an engraving of the Old Bushmills Distillery on the side. The hexagonal coloured label at the middle has The Old Bushmills Distillery logo designed.
The label at the bottom has the details of the Irish whiskey details like- maturation process, aged years, flavour profile, Master Distiller Colum Egan signature, and the bottle capacity and ABV. Below the label, 1608 is engraved on the bottle symbolizing the year the Bushmills Distillery was granted a license to distil whiskey.
Bushmills 12-Year-Old: Complex and Approachable Whiskey
The Bushmills 12-Year-Old Single Malt Whiskey is a deep amber whiskey with a flavour profile that is full-bodied, complex, and approachable. The whiskey is triple-distilled in copper-pot stills from 100% unpeated malted barley and matured for a minimum of 11 years in former sherry casks and bourbon casks. This whiskey is finished in Marsala wine casks, where it is aged for 6-9 months. The water from River Bush is used as a source in the whiskey-making process.
The rich flavour profile has floral and fruity notes of pear and pineapple, dark chocolate notes, and a distinct nutty malt character on the palate. “An excellent complement to salty and savoury charcuterie boards or in a decadent Boulevardier. “
Bushmills 12-Year-Old Single Malt Irish whiskey has 40% ABV (80 proof) and is currently available in select markets throughout the United States. The whiskey will officially be rolled out across all U.S. markets starting in February. You can also purchase a bottle online for a suggested retail price of $59.99 per 750mL from Drizly and Reserve Bar.
For Cocktail recipes: click here. | For History of Bushmills Distillery click here.
Relish yourself with the fine, rich quality of the new single malt Irish whiskies from The Old Bushmills Distillery. An experience of tasting the luxury with the traditional 400-year-old heritage in the making is worth it. You can even visit the distillery at 2 Distillery Rd, Bushmills, County Antrim BT57 8XH, Northern Ireland, after the pandemic situation is over.