Irish whiskey brand Bushmills has released the first two expressions in its new cask-finished range.
The first two expressions in the Bushmills Original Cask Finished range are Caribbean Rum Cask Finish and American Oak Cask Finish. Both blended whiskeys are bottled at 40% ABV.
The single malt component of the Caribbean Rum Cask Finish was finished in Caribbean rum casks, which previously held rum for a minimum of seven years. The liquid was then blended with Bushmills’ single grain whiskey to create ‘tropical fruit and dry spice flavours’.
The casks deliver ‘pineapple sweetness, caramelised brown sugar notes and toffee tones’ to the final liquid.
Meanwhile, the single malt part of the American Oak Cask Finish was finished in double-charred American oak barrels that provided ‘fresh wood and vanilla flavours’, and then blended with Bushmills’ single grain whiskey.
The casks were sourced from Kelvin Cooperage in Louisville, Kentucky, US.
Helen Mulholland, Bushmills master blender, said: “The launch of the Bushmills Original Cask Finish range is an exciting and innovative move for Bushmills Irish Whiskey.
“The Original Cask Finish series adds an extra dimension to our acclaimed Bushmills Original. The series offers an accessible introduction into the world of Bushmills by finishing our signature single malt in unique barrels for new flavour experiences.
“As the world’s oldest licensed whiskey distillery, The Old Bushmills Distillery is a special place with a long and rich history where we have warehouses bursting with unique casks, ageing exquisite whiskey.”
Bushmills Caribbean Rum Cask Finish launched in Ireland last month, but the collection will be available worldwide from May.
The Bushmills Caribbean Rum Cask Finish and American Oak Cask Finish whiskeys are priced at RRP €30 (£24/ US$33) each per 700ml bottle.