Bushmills Irish Whiskey, from the world’s oldest licensed whiskey distillery, adds a rare 12 Year Old Single Malt to its prestigious ‘World Wood’ series, reserved exclusively for APAC travel retail.  

Since 1608, Bushmills has been driven to pioneer and perfect the greatest Irish single malt whiskey. This philosophy ingrained deep within Bushmills DNA has continued to inspire the development of some of the world’s most innovative and prestigious Irish whiskeys.   

The World Wood series, developed by Bushmills Master Blender, Alex Thomas, is a prestige collection of rare single malt Irish whiskeys which seamlessly weave tradition with innovation. Essential to the delivery of world-leading whiskey is the use of exceptional casks. Alex personally sources and hand-picks the casks from some of the world’s finest cooperages and winemakers, some of whom have worked with Bushmills for generations. She adds, “We search the four corners of the world to find exactly the right casks to bring back to our corner in Northern Ireland”. 

Following the launch of 15 & 21 Year Old Single Malt references in Q4 of 2023, this new 12 Year Old Single Malt is the latest expression to join the World Wood Series.  

The distinguished new addition has been matured in first fill bourbon barrels from the Kelvin Cooperage in Louisville, Kentucky, USA for at least 11 years, then carefully finished in first and second fill Pedro Ximénez sherry butts from the legendary family owned Portuguese Tanoaria Palacoulo cooperage, known as Tacopal.  

Alex passionately adds, “This single malt breaks the mould entirely, the best expression of two high quality cask types prepared to our rigorous standards. Our first fill bourbon barrels add vibrant flavours of caramel, chocolate and apricot. Then, seasoned Pedro Ximénez casks layer on dried fruit notes and allow that sherry character to shine”.  

Alex adopted a meticulously balanced ratio of first and second fill Pedro Ximénez casks to perfectly balance the sweetness of the wine, the spicy character of the European oak and the delicate fruity notes of Bushmills’ distinct house style. Alex adds, “We want to impart flavour slowly, so our finishing lasts at least a year – longer than usual. It’s our way of ensuring every drop of our single malt gets to interact with the larger 500L Pedro Ximénez casks and take in all those wonderful rich fruit flavours.” 

Bottled at 46% ABV, the luxuriously complex flavour profile shines through in abundance.  Sherry seasoning imparts notes of dried fruits and nutty undertones, while the use of ex-bourbon barrels contributes aromas of sweet vanilla, toasted oak and subtle dustings of cinnamon.   The dynamic duo of casks work in harmony, marrying the core of Bushmills’ signature floral and fruity style with a unique twist.  Alex describes this reference as “a single malt whiskey that wine drinkers will love – dry with all the luscious natural sweetness, fruit and depth of flavour you’d expect. It has lovely holiday vibes, perfect for evenings shared with friends.”