Product description
Bushmills brand contains single malt and blended whiskies with grain whiskey for the latter coming from Midleton Distillery in Cork, home to Jameson brand.
While Bushmills Original and Black Bush have been available basically around the world, the 1608 Special Reserve expression was really something special. Launched in October 1992 it was the first Irish whiskey designed exclusively for the Duty Free sector. It was by all means a super premium blend with grain whisky content of no more than 10% (some claim it was 5% yet the distillery did not comment). The malts used in the blend were aged for 12 to 14 years with sherry wood making strong statement. Sadly, very soon Special Reserve 12 years old was replaced with no age statement Reserve expression.
Nose: beautiful combination of malt, spice and sherry, cinnamon, nutmeg, apples, bitter oranges, honey, milk chocolate, hints of pine needles and mint.
Palate: strong sherry notes, nutmeg, cinnamon, candied ginger, breakfast cereals with honey, chocolate pudding, prunes, cherries, and touch of aniseed.
Finish: medium long, with notes of caramel, chocolate and delicate spiciness.