The Single Malt Shop, offering The Bushmills Causeway Collection stands as a testament to the distillery’s dedication to craftsmanship and innovation in Irish whiskey. Drawing inspiration from the natural wonder of the Giant’s Causeway, this limited-edition series showcases rare and unique cask-finished single malts that push the boundaries of traditional whiskey-making.
A Tribute to the Giant’s Causeway
Located just a stone’s throw from the Old Bushmills Distillery, the Giant’s Causeway is a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its approximately 40,000 interlocking basalt columns, formed by ancient volcanic activity. This geological marvel has long inspired local legends and serves as a symbol of natural beauty and mystery. The Causeway Collection seeks to encapsulate this sense of wonder, offering whiskey enthusiasts a taste of the extraordinary.
The 2024 Causeway Collection
The fifth generation of the Causeway Collection, released in 2024, introduces eight exceptional expressions, each meticulously crafted by Master Blender Alex Thomas. These single malts, ranging in age from 10 to 23 years, have been rolled out across seven global markets, including France, Germany, Ireland, Travel Retail, and, for the first time, China. Each bottle is cask strength and non-chill filtered, ensuring a full-bodied and authentic tasting experience.
Notable Bottles in the Collection
- 23-Year-Old Madeira Cask Finish
- 2011 Oloroso Sherry Cask Finish
- 10-Year-Old Barolo Cask Finish
- 2010 Double Moscatel Cask Finish
23-Year-Old Madeira Cask Finish
This expression has matured for over two decades before being finished in Madeira wine casks. The result is a rich and complex whiskey, boasting notes of dried fruits, nuts, and a subtle sweetness that lingers on the palate.
2011 Oloroso Sherry Cask Finish
Distilled in 2011, this single malt spent its initial years in bourbon barrels before being transferred to Oloroso sherry casks. This finishing imparts deep flavors of dark chocolate, raisins, and a hint of spice, creating a harmonious balance between the spirit and the cask influence.
10-Year-Old Barolo Cask Finish
A first for Bushmills, this 10-year-old whiskey is finished in Barolo wine casks. Known as the “king of wines,” Barolo imparts bold, powerful flavors to the whiskey, resulting in a unique profile with notes of red berries, tannins, and a dry finish.
2010 Double Moscatel Cask Finish
This innovative expression begins its journey in Oloroso sherry butts before being finished in two types of rare Portuguese Moscatel casks. Bottled at a natural cask strength of 49.1% ABV, it offers an exquisite medley of floral aromas, citrus zest, and honeyed sweetness.
22-Year-Old Mizunara Cask Finish
Another pioneering release, this 22-year-old single malt is finished in Japanese Mizunara oak casks. Mizunara wood is prized for its porous nature, which imparts distinctive flavors of sandalwood, coconut, and oriental spices, adding an exotic twist to the classic Bushmills profile.
The 2022 Causeway Collection
The 2022 lineup also featured remarkable releases, each tailored to specific markets:
- 1997 Rum Cask Finish
- `Pomerol Cask Finish
1997 Rum Cask Finish
This expression matured exclusively in American oak rum casks from 1997 to 2022. Bottled at a cask strength of 46.2% ABV and non-chill filtered, it delivers vibrant tropical fruit notes, a testament to its prolonged rum cask maturation.
Pomerol Cask Finish
Released exclusively in Ireland, this single malt began its maturation in bourbon and Oloroso sherry casks before a finishing period in Pomerol wine casks. Pomerol, a renowned red wine from France’s Bordeaux region, imparts rich, velvety notes of dark fruits and a subtle earthiness to the whiskey.
A Sensory Experience
To enhance the enjoyment of these exceptional whiskeys, Bushmills collaborated with Northern Irish actor Colin Morgan to create the world’s first “whiskey wind down” audio track. Narrated by Morgan, the track is designed to provide a relaxing and immersive experience, allowing whiskey lovers to fully savor the nuances of the Causeway Collection. This innovative approach reflects Bushmills’ commitment to not only producing outstanding whiskey but also enriching the overall tasting experience.
Conclusion
The Bushmills Causeway Collection exemplifies the distillery’s relentless pursuit of excellence and innovation. By exploring diverse cask finishes and embracing both traditional and novel maturation techniques, Bushmills offers whiskey enthusiasts a range of expressions that are as complex and captivating as the Giant’s Causeway itself. Each bottle in the collection tells a unique story, inviting connoisseurs to embark on a sensory journey that celebrates the rich heritage and bold spirit of Bushmills Irish Whiskey.