The Steamship Collection is the name of a new,
travel-inspired range from Bushmills Irish Whiskey, Ireland’s oldest working
distillery. These limited-edition Irish whiskeys are available exclusively to
shoppers in selected travel retail outlets. The first release in the
collection, Sherry Cask Reserve, combines centuries-old fine Irish whiskey-making
with intercontinental flavours, to mark the 125th anniversary of the maiden
voyage of the SS Bushmills steamship.
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| The Steamship Collection from Bushmills Irish Whiskey |
Maritime-inspired packaging
The limited-edition collection is inspired by the voyages
of SS Bushmills to new corners of the world and introduces a range of cask-matured
Bushmills Irish whiskeys. In 1890, the ship, commissioned by then owners The
Boyd Brothers, set course for America, travelling as far as Philadelphia and
Yokohama, before returning refilled with casks of rum, fortified
wine and bourbon – the gateway to new flavour possibilities.
David Phelan, director of Jose Cuervo Global Travel
Retail, said: “The launch marks an exciting phase for Bushmills and demonstrates
Jose Cuervo’s commitment to unlocking the potential of this legendary whiskey
in the high-profile travel retail channel. The Steamship Collection is
available now in Belfast, Dublin and London Heathrow, and while it can’t be
purchased elsewhere, we hope distribution will extend across the world, just
like the voyages of SS Bushmills to the USA, Asia and beyond.”
Sherry Cask Reserve (40%abv) is exclusively matured in
first-fill Oloroso sherry butts to deliver additional spiced honey, dark
chocolate and rich dried fruit flavours. The bottle is presented in a
distinctive maritime-designed packaging featuring a replica illustration of the
famous Bushmills steamship.
Speaking about Bushmills’ tradition for innovation, Colum
Egan, Master Distiller at The Old Bushmills Distillery, said: “For centuries
distillers have experimented with different barrels, so naturally I was
inspired by the adventures of the ship and the opportunities it opened to
experiment with various casks from around the world. So, together with Master
Blender Helen Mulholland, we created a whiskey with a rich, complex flavour and
a smooth finish – a characteristic synonymous with our range of triple-distilled
whiskeys.”
A limited number of bottles of Sherry Cask Reserve are
available now exclusively to travellers in Belfast City, Dublin and Heathrow Terminal
5 priced at €80 (£65/$89) for one litre. It is the first release in the
collection, which will soon comprise three permanent expressions plus regular
special releases.
Tasting notes
Oloroso is a darker sherry, with a rich and nutty flavour
profile, which provides a
new layer of complexity in the whiskey. A medium rich gold in colour, the nose
has a full-bodied, intriguing aroma with dried fruit, spices and burnt sugar
sweetness. Bushmills’ distinctive honeyed maltiness is intensified in this
robust, darker liquid. Dark chocolate, nuttiness and spice with sweet oils
mingle with vanilla and honey. The long, sweet and smooth finish has subtle
liquorice notes.
