Bushmills 25 YO

Bushmills 25 YO, 46%

Time to check out some old single malt from Northern Ireland. So here we go with the Bushmills 25 YO. From the official product page we find the following:

“Our Bushmills 25 Year Old is patiently matured in bourbon barrels and sherry butts for between four and six years before finishing in first-fill ruby port pipes for 21 years to give generations of luxurious dark fruit flavours.”

So, initial maturation for four to six years, then a finish (sic!) for 21 years. That’s unusual, if nothing else.

The Bushmills 25 YO will set you back NOK 9900 (20615201) in Norway.

Nose: Cut grass, a touch of white pepper and a very creamy caramel note. Pencil shavings add a clean oaky edge. With time, the whisky opens up nicely with soft red berries and a richer, rounder sweetness.

Taste: Full bodied, fruity and rich. Green and creamy in character, with the red berries making a welcome return. Hints of dark chocolate bring a slightly darker depth without disturbing the overall balance.

Finish: Very long, rich and fruity, with a light and delicate spiciness. Comforting oaky warmth builds slowly, joined by hints of rhubarb. Earthy, rich and quietly persistent.

Comment: Green richness, oaky comfort. 

Score 90/100

Sláinte!
-Thomas