This whiskey is the latest new addition to the permanent core range of the Northern Irish distillery of Bushmills. The initial maturation of their signature triple distilled single malt has taken place in ex-bourbon barrels and ex-Oloroso sherry casks. It has then undertaken a luxurious six-month finishing period in ex-Marsala fortified wine casks sourced from the Italian island of Sicily. It has been created by Alex Thomas, the Master Blender at Bushmills.
Bushmills holds the oldest distilling license in the world dating back to 1608. However, the official foundation date is widely recognised as 1784. It is located in the small town of Bushmills, which sits on the County Antrim coast in Northern Ireland. This is just two miles from the famous UNESCO World Heritage site at The Giant’s Causeway. The distillery is owned by Proximo, who took control in 2014. The annual production capacity of The Old Bushmills Distillery is around six million litres.
However, the Causeway Distillery was officially opened in April 2023 and is located next door. This state-of-the-art distillery, which cost an estimated €37 million to build, also has an annual production of six million litres, with potential to expand further. It is designed to help Bushmills cope with increased demand for the brand and to futureproof production.
The Bushmills 12 Years Old is bottled at 40% ABV and is initially available in the UK and Ireland. Wider world distribution will occur during the remainder of 2025. A bottle should cost £45.
Our Tasting Notes
The colour is bright gold and the nose is sugary and sweet with a nutty undertone. Aromas of sultana, honey and caramelised pear are quickly joined by crisp green apple and vanilla patisserie custard. Then come hints of candied lime and dried apricot. The initial aromas are tempered by distinct hazelnut praline and chestnut puree. Pinches of powdered cinnamon and fennel seed round things off.
On the palate this whiskey feels silky and luscious. The sugary, sweet and fruity elements are maintained well. The vanilla patisserie custard and good vanilla ice cream rise first with golden syrup, dried apricot and fresh ripe peach also coming through nicely. Then comes some caramelised pineapple and creamy milk chocolate, plus some woody baking spices – think of cinnamon, powdered ginger,clove and mace especially.
The nuttiness from the nose is never far away and has a distinct creaminess to it. This is reminiscent of the hazelnut praline and chestnut puree from before, but also has hints of cashew and macadamia. The honey note also evolves to be quite prominent with time and has a waxy honeycomb edge. A further pinch of baking spice and white pepper hits right at the end.
The finish is sweet and rich. The sugary sultana and tropical fruit notes linger well, before beginning to fade. This allows the nutty characteristics to come through even stronger before the whisky turns drier, oaky and more spicy.
What’s The Verdict?
This 12 Years Old is a triumph for Bushmills. It is a delighful whiskey that is full of flavour and represents great value for money when considering the price. We also like what Bushmills are clearly doing with their core range of products. They are pushing their maturing triple distilled spirit in differing and interesting directions by finishing is less common types of wine cask. Our favourite example is the 15 Years Old Cognac Cask Finish, but this ex-Marsala finish is not far behind. Excellent and very moreish.
