Bushmills 46 Year Old: The oldest Irish single malt

Bushmills Irish Whiskey unveils the oldest Irish single malt ever released: Bushmills 46 Year Old ‘Secrets of The River Bush’.

Bushmills 46 Year Old ‘Secrets of The River Bush’

Only three hundred bottles of this whiskey exist, which is a celebration of the River Bush and its journey over the beds of black basalt – the rock that’s synonymous with the nearby world-famous Giant’s Causeway. The water has played its part in every drop of Bushmills Irish Whiskey.

“This isn’t just a smooth, rare single malt whiskey; it is real history in the making,” says master blender, Alex Thomas. “For 46 years, we’ve patiently watched over this remarkable liquid and witnessed it transform into this rich, dark beauty, deeply authentic and full of flavour. This is Bushmills at its best.” 

A marriage of Bushmills’ most elusive single malt reserves, dating back to 1978, maturing for almost half a century in oloroso sherry butts from the Antonio Paez Lobato Cooperage in Jerez, Spain. 

“What time can do”

“This remarkable liquid just shows you what time can do. I reflect on the team who laid it to rest in our warehouses 46 years ago,” Thomas added “We couldn’t do what we do without those guys, and their legacy is everything to this single malt. The fact that I, too, have the privilege to leave something for the next generation is just so special. To be a master blender has always been a dream come true. To release the oldest Irish single malt ever is a true honour.”  

Bushmills 46 Year Old ‘Secrets of The River Bush’ is housed in a bespoke handcrafted hexagonal presentation box.  The topographical contours of the walnut case are a tribute to the River Bush, Bushmills village and the landscape around it. The brand also says the gold engraving along the centre of the box reflects the journey of the River Bush to the Old Bushmills Distillery, the course it has taken through millennia long before Bushmills began distilling in 1608. 

‘Secrets of the River Bush’ is bottled at 46.3% ABV, and only 300 sequentially numbered bottles will be made available with an RRP of $12,500. 

Bushmills 46 Year Old ‘Secrets of The River Bush’ tasting note:

Nose: On the nose, there is a unique harmony of delectable ripe dark fruits, sweet apricot, caramel and gentle waves of warm oak.   

Palate: An intensely rich and spicy medley of cinnamon, crushed clove and nutmeg aromatic spice lands on the palate, deepening into delightful sweet black cherries and apricots, before finally giving way to waves of roasted coffee, oak and warm toffee. 

Finish: The finish is smooth yet robust and luscious with lingering spiced fruit.