Bushmills Irish Whiskey, a leader in the realm of smooth single malt Irish whiskey, has proudly introduced the oldest Irish single malt ever released – Bushmills 46 Year Old ‘Secrets of the River Bush’. This extraordinary whiskey has been meticulously nurtured by two generations of master blenders, capturing the essence of decades and time-honoured secrets in each sip. With only three hundred bottles available, this exceptionally rich and dark liquid stands as a rare and historic treasure for the most discerning whiskey aficionados.
Celebrating the River Bush, this single malt showcases its journey over the distinctive beds of black basalt rock, which is inherently linked to the world-renowned Giant’s Causeway. Since Bushmills’ inception in 1608, the river has played a fundamental role in crafting each drop of Bushmills Irish Whiskey, representing an unwavering spirit and a relentless dedication to pushing boundaries.
Matured for nearly half a century in Oloroso sherry butts sourced from the esteemed Antonio Paez Lobato Cooperage in Jerez, Spain, this rare Irish single malt features a deep and rich mahogany hue. It represents an artful fusion of Bushmills’ most elusive reserves, dating back to 1978.
Bushmills Master Blender, Alex Thomas, commented on this exceptional release, stating: “This isn’t just a smooth, rare single malt whiskey; this is real history in the making. 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.”
He added: “This stunning whiskey just shows you what time can do. 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.”
Bushmills 46 Year Old ‘Secrets of the River Bush’ is exquisitely presented in a bespoke handcrafted hexagonal box. Each intricate detail of the walnut case pays homage to the River Bush, the village of Bushmills, and the undulating landscape that surrounds it. The gold engraving along the center of the box illustrates the journey of the River Bush to the Old Bushmills Distillery, following the same path it has traversed over millennia, long before Bushmills began distilling in 1608.
The year 2025 is shaping up to be a landmark moment for Bushmills. In addition to launching the oldest Irish single malt to date, the brand will also unveil its most innovative expression yet: Bushmills 26 Year Old Crystal Malt. This groundbreaking whiskey expands the illustrious Prestige Collection, which includes 25, 30, and 31 Year Old Single Malts. Crafted through a special process that crystallizes sugars in the malted barley before distillation, the 26 Year Old Crystal Malt offers rich, indulgent flavors of caramel and creamy chocolate, enhanced by decades of oak aging.
‘Secrets of the River Bush’ is bottled at 46.3% ABV, with only 38 sequentially numbered bottles set to be available in Ireland starting 17th March at an RRP of €12000/£10000. Conversely, Bushmills 26 Year Old Crystal Malt is bottled at 46% ABV and will be available across the island of Ireland from April 2025, with an RRP of £850/€950.
