Bushmills has announced the addition of Bushmills 12 Year Old Single Malt Whiskey to its core range. The new offerings comes to the US under the care of the distiller’s recently appointed master blender, Alex Thomas.
Having first joined the historic Irish distillery in 2004, Thomas spent 17 years honing her craft before assuming the role of Bushmills’ master blender. She 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,” said Thomas. “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.”
Made from 100-percent unpeated malted barley with spring water from the River Bush, Bushmills 12 Year Old is triple distilled in small batches in traditional copper pot stills. The distillate is a blend of two whiskeys that have aged minimally 11 years – one in Oloroso sherry butts and the other in bourbon barrels. To complete the process, the Irish whiskey is finished in fortified Marsala barriques from Sicily for 6-9 months to impart a finish to the whiskey, layering on flavors of spiced fruit, brown sugar, and a light toasted nut character.
Bushmills 12 Year Old marks the debut of a new bottle and packaging to be implemented across the brand’s current malt portfolio of Bushmills 10, 12, 16 and 21 Year Old Single Malts and several exciting upcoming releases.
Bottled at 40% ABV, Bushmills 12 Year Old 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 for $59.99 per 750ml bottle.
For more information, head over to Bushmills’ official website.