Bushmills The Steamship Collection #3 Char

This is the third whiskey in the series inspired by the steamship SS Bushmills, the ship that made its maiden voyage to deliver bottles of Bushmills to America in 1890. Bourbon Cask Reserve is the result of a long-term relationship with master coopers in Louisvill, Kentucky, who reserved custom-made American white oak bourbon casks to age this whiskey.

Origin and bottling

The Bushmills distillery is considered the oldest licensed whiskey distillery in the world. It has been distilling at The "Old Bushmills" Distillery since 1608. This particular bottling dates from 2017 and was actually available exclusively for Travel Retail.

Cask type

Maturation took place in First Fill #3 Char Kentucky Bourbon Casks. This creates an extra mild character with notes of sweet malt and toasted wood, spicy notes and créme brûlee. #3 Char means the cask has been burned inside for a minimum of 35 seconds.

Tasting note

Colour

Straw

Nose

Typical Bushmills malt nose of tropical fruit: mango, ripe banana, apricot - juicy yellow fruit. Whipped cream, honey, vanilla and some burnt wood aromas. A spicy tone pointing to a relatively youthful age.

Taste

Everyman's friend with elegant notes of honey, vanilla, banana and lightly toasted wood. Toasted bread.

Overall impression

Nice that this particular version has now become available on the regular market. A classic Irish Single Malt Whiskey that appeals to a wide audience.

Bushmills Distillery

Bushmills Distillery is located in the picturesque village of Bushmills in County Antrim, Northern Ireland, close to the famous Giant's Causeway. Established in 1608, Bushmills is the oldest licensed distillery in the world, with a rich history spanning more than 400 years.

A unique feature of Bushmills Distillery is the use of pure Irish water from St Columb's Rill, a tributary of the Bush River. The distillery exclusively uses triple distillation in copper pot stills, resulting in an exceptionally smooth and pure whiskey. Known for its blend of single malt and grain whiskey, Bushmills also offers an extensive selection of single malt whiskeys.

Bushmills whiskeys have a characteristically fruity and honeyed profile, with notes of vanilla, dried fruit and subtle spices. Maturation takes place in a variety of casks, including ex-bourbon, sherry and rum casks, ensuring a complex and refined flavour.

The combination of a historic location, traditional techniques and a commitment to quality makes Bushmills Distillery an iconic name in the world of Irish whiskey.