Bushmills may be the oldest working whiskey distillery in the world, but it’s also one of the most innovative. Not weighed down by its four centuries of history, the Irish distillery continues its progressive nature with its new 26 Year Old, which uses the rarely seen crystal malt to welcome a new flavor profile to its portfolio.
Introduced into its impressively Prestige Collection, the 26 Year Old Crystal Malt joins the finest examples of continuously available aged Irish whiskies. The lineup includes a 25, 30, and 31 Year Old, all offered at 46% ABV (92 proof) but distinctive due to different cask maturation journeys. This includes the use of high-quality Madeira casks, port pipes and PX sherry casks.
The 26 Year Old Crystal Malt is arguably the most innovative of the four. Crystal malt refers to a specific process where barley is malted in a certain way so that the sugars within the grain caramelize. This changes the resulting flavor profile of the whiskey even after decades of aging, giving it a much sweeter taste.
While several distilleries have used it in the last few years, Bushmills was the first Irish distillery to use it in 1997. The 26 Year Old is a direct result of that original experiment, following almost three decades in high-quality first-fill ex-bourbon casks. The choice of cask allows the crystal malt to shine through in its purest form, resulting in a whiskey bursting with pear drop candy and caramel.
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It stands in stark contrast to the other whiskeys in the collection, which have deep, bold flavor profiles due to extended time in port, sherry and Madeira casks. The 26 Year Old, despite its age, is fruity and vibrant. The color is bright and the texture is creamy. The lighter cask influence also welcomes more complexity. The palate gives you creamy butterscotch and toffee apples before that distinctive Bushmills character (dark chocolate, spiced pear, and warm vanilla) comes through.
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Bushmills master blender Alex Thomas said: “I am so honored to manage and supervise the aging of all our single malts, but releasing this special expression – one which I’ve cared for throughout my entire career here – is truly a dream come true. Our 26 Year Old Crystal Malt epitomizes Bushmills’ commitment to restless progress and our dedication to crafting exceptional single malts for whiskey lovers worldwide.”
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Thomas continues: “I love how beautifully light this whiskey is, it might look delicate and subtle, but don’t be deceived – it’s bursting with flavor. Succulent, deep, and complex notes overflow on the palate. Light in color, but luscious in flavor”.
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We tried samples from all four whiskies in the Bushmills Prestige Collection and were impressed by the varying flavor profiles. While these whiskeys are by no means cheap (ranging from around $1,000 to $3,000), each one packs serious complexity that it could be deemed a bargain up against a comparable Scotch or bourbon.
Whereas most distilleries like to keep their flavor profiles narrow, Bushmills pushes the boundaries with its whiskey by testing it against some of the most active and influential casks available. The result is a tantalizing mix of flavors and textures, one you’d be well-minded to try now before the rest of the world takes notice.
Bushmills 26 Year Old Crystal Malt will be available in key global markets from Q1 2025, priced at an SRP of £850 (approx. $1,080), shop.bushmills.com
