Bushmills launches Bourbon #3 Char Cask

Proximo introduces Bushmills Bourbon #3 Char Cask Reserve exclusively in global travel retail.

Proximo brand Bushmills Irish Whiskey is introducing Bourbon #3 Char Cask Reserve – the third and latest edition in The Steamship Collection – a rare and unique range of Bushmills Irish Whiskeys inspired by the extraordinary voyages of the steamship SS Bushmills.

As a global travel retail exclusive, this new variant follows the successful launch of Bushmills Irish Whiskey Port Cask Reserve and Sherry Cask Reserve, marking the 125th anniversary of the maiden voyage of the SS Bushmills.

In 1890, the SS Bushmills set course for America to deliver Bushmills Irish Whiskey to new corners of the globe.  On her maiden voyage she established knowledge and relationships with some of the world’s finest wine and spirits producers, before returning home with a variety of their finest seasoned casks. It is these relationships that have served the Old Bushmills Distillery to this day, helping Bushmills master distillers explore the potential of whiskey maturation in exclusive and rare casks.

Helen Mulholland, master blender of Bushmills Irish Whiskey, says: “Bourbon #3 Char Cask Reserve is the result of our long-standing relationship with master coopers from Louisville, Kentucky who reserve only the finest American white oak, custom-charred bourbon casks to mature this unique whiskey.

“The amount of char you give a cask has a significant impact on the flavour and this is what makes Bourbon #3 Char Cask Reserve so special.  The seasoned casks are emptied of bourbon and re-charred before being shipped to the Old Bushmills Distillery where we fill them exclusively with triple-distilled Bushmills Single Malt Irish Whiskey.  By using a custom char we are able to draw out incredible spicy, honeyed vanilla flavours from deep within the fine grain American white oak.  The resulting whiskey has subtle notes of toasted oak, spices and crème brûlée with a long, rich and smooth finish.”

Proximo GTR director David Phelan adds: “We know shoppers within travel retail seek unique products they cannot get in their domestic markets so Bourbon #3 Char Cask Reserve demonstrates our passion and commitment to meeting this consumer demand. To date, The Steamship Collection has been a firm favourite with travellers and we’re looking forward to the response we get from this exquisite new liquid once it goes on sale in early 2018.”

Priced at £50 for 1L, travellers can pick up a bottle of Bourbon #3 Char Cask Reserve from early 2018, alongside the Sherry Cask Reserve and Port Cask Reserve editions at selected global travel retail outlets.  

Proximo stand (16 Bay Village) at the Tax Free World Exhibition, Cannes (1st-6thOctober).  

3 October 2017 - Felicity Murray The Drinks Report, editor-in-chief