Whiskey lovers are waking up to the news that Co. Antrim's storied Bushmills distillery is releasing the 46-year-old Secrets Of The River Bush, which is a record age for an Irish Single Malt.

It's a limited-edition with only 300 sequentially numbered bottles – each housed in a bespoke handcrafted walnut box – of which 38 will be made available across Ireland from March 17 with an RRP of €12,000/£10,000 each.

“This isn’t just a smooth, rare single malt whiskey, this is real history in the making," reflects Bushmills Master Blender, Alex Thomas. "For 46 years, we’ve patiently watched over this remarkable liquid and witnessed it transform into this rich, dark beauty. This is Bushmills at its best."

If you're trying to imagine the effect of this very precious liquid spending almost half a century in Oloroso sherry butts, the tasting notes say: "On the nose, there is a unique harmony of delectable ripe dark fruits, sweet apricot, caramel and gentle waves of warm oak. What follows is an intensely rich and spicy medley of cinnamon, crushed clove and nutmeg aromatic spice. This then develops into delightfully sweet black cherries and apricots, before finally giving way to waves of roasted coffee, oak and warm toffee. The finish is smooth yet robust, with luscious and lingering spiced fruit." Yum!

“This stunning whiskey just shows you what time can do," Alex Thomas resumes."For nearly half a century it has gradually breathed in the wood and matured slowly. It’s rich and authentic, and full of flavour straight from the cask – creating a bold unprecedented experience for the whiskey connoisseur.”

Along with their 46.3% ABV Secrets Of The River Bush, Bushmills is also launching what they describe as their "most innovative expression yet: Bushmills 26 Year Old Crystal Malt."

"This groundbreaking new whiskey expands the illustrious Prestige Collection comprised of 25, 30 and 31 Year Old Single Malts," we're told. "Crafted using a special process which crystallises sugars in the malted barley before distillation, 26 Year Old Crystal Malt boasts rich and indulgent flavours of caramel and creamy chocolate, enhanced by decades of ageing in oak." 

Bushmills 26 Year Old Crystal Malt is bottled at 46% ABV and will be made available across the island of Ireland from April 2025 with an RRP of €950/£850. Sláinte!