Ancient stones lie on the rugged coastline. Green hills tumble into the North Atlantic, and cold waves create a refreshing breeze that shakes the barley. This is Bushmills’ terroir, the sea, sky and land that produces Northern Ireland’s most iconic whisky, and the inspiration for its latest creation, the 26 Year Old Crystal Malt.
Rocky coasts and pristine Celtic greenery may seem like the foundation of basically every Scottish and Irish ethos. But the County Antrim distiller has created something more inventive than the usual barrel finishes and extended aging expected of today’s releases.
Bushmills 26 Year Old Crystal Malt is the latest addition to Bushmills’ Prestige Collection, which also includes 25 Year Old, 30 Year Old and 31 Year Old Single Malts. A special process crystallizes the sugars in the malted barley before distillation, creating a rich, creamy chocolate-caramel flavor that was developed over the next 20 years.
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This golden honey whiskey offers aromas of apple and warm caramel with sweet floral notes. The palate features creamy butterscotch that develops into layers of crème brûlée, roasted nuts, dark chocolate, spiced pear, and warm vanilla. The finish is warm and smooth. Gentle oak aromas harmonize with orchard fruit and linger on the palate for a long time.
“I love how beautifully light this whisky is. It may look delicate and subtle, but don’t be fooled; it’s bursting with flavour,” says Bushmills Master Blender Alex Thomas. “It’s juicy and fills your mouth with a deep, complex aroma. It’s pale in color, but rich in flavor.”
Bushmills 26 Year Old Crystal Malt costs £850 (approximately $1,075) per 700ml bottle. It is available to purchase from several locations including Bushmills Distillery, the official online shop for consumers in the UK and Ireland, major global travel retail hubs, and retailers in Ireland and other major global markets.
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