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irish whiskey

Bushmills Just Released The Oldest Irish Single Malt Whiskey Ever

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Bushmills Irish Whiskey
Photo Credit: Bushmills Distillery

Bushmills Distillery just launched a 46-year-old limited-edition expression called ‘Secrets of the River Bush’. Hyper-aged Irish whiskey is nothing new these days, but this new expression is the oldest Irish single malt whiskey ever released. Bushmills’ distilling operations can be traced back to the year 1608, and it feels appropriate that the oldest licensed distillery on the planet now holds the title for oldest Irish single malt.

This release also comes at a time when both Irish whiskey and high-end spirits are bucking overall industry trends. The Irish whiskey category saw a 13% increase in exports last year, and consumers continue to show interest in ultra-premium spirits, accounting for 4.8% of the total market in 2024.

Bushmills 46 Year Old “Secrets of The River Bush” is housed in a handcrafted hexagonal presentation box. The intricate topographical contours of the walnut case pay tribute to the Bushmills’ water source—the River Bush.

This release was crafted from just two Oloroso sherry butts from Antonio Paez Lobato Cooperage in Jerez, Spain. These two casks were filled in 1978—when the distillery was a mere 370 years old—and matured in the middle of Bushmills’ legendary Warehouse 8 for 46 years before being bottled at a natural cask strength of 46.3% ABV. Due to extreme evaporation after nearly half a century of aging, there was only enough whiskey left for 300 total bottles worldwide.

About Bushmills Distillery

Throughout the 20th century, Bushmills navigated a series of economic and sociopolitical challenges. In the 1920s, when American Prohibition hit—a major blow to Irish whiskey exports—director Wilson Boyd continued to keep the Bushmills warehouses full. When the U.S. market reopened, records suggest that Bushmills was 1 of 2, maybe 3 Irish whiskey distilleries still in operation.

Post-World War II, Bushmills experienced a change in ownership, first coming under the control of Isaac Wolfson and then being absorbed into Irish Distillers in 1972, which marked a turning point in consolidating Irish whiskey production. Sales soared in the 1950s and 1960s and even during the global market shift away from brown spirits, Bushmills launched three new products from 1983 to 2001.

Now owned by Proximo Spirits, the brand has expanded its lineup significantly in recent years and in 2023, opened the new Causeway Distillery to increase production.

For more information please visit https://bushmills.com/pages/distillery

Milam & Greene’s Third Release in Highly Limited Wildlife Collection Has Plenty of ‘Bite’

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Milam & Greene Texas distillery Milam And Greene has unveiled the latest expression in its highly limited Wildlife Collection: the Rattlesnake Single Barrel Bourbon. This single-barrel whiskey was bottled at cask strength and is available for purchase for the price of $150 here on Wednesday.

Only 168 bottles of the new bourbon are available. The Rattlesnake Single Barrel Bourbon clocks in at 127.64 proof, giving it plenty of “bite,” according to the brand. The spirit is distilled from a mashbill composed of 84% corn, 8% rye and 8% malted barley. Rattlesnake Single Barrel Bourbon was distilled in Tennessee.

Milam And Greene’s latest expression in the Wildlife Collection was aged for seven years, three months and 24 days. For five years and five months, the whiskey was aged in Tennessee, with an additional one year and 10 months at Milam and Greene’s distillery in Blanco, Texas. While aging in Texas, the barrel encountered extreme weather and endured two hard freezes, with almost two summers that hosted triple-digit temperatures, per Milam and Greene.

The whiskey is named after the most venomous snake in Texas, the rattlesnake. According to Milam And Greene, the most common rattlesnake is the western diamondback rattlesnake, which can grow up to four or five feet long.

The whiskey producer’s choice to name the spirit after the diamondback was partially due to the fact that rattlesnakes prefer warm weather and are active in spring and summer in Texas. Milam and Greene whiskeys fair well in warmer weather, and because the cask was released in the summer it seemed like the perfect fit.

This is the third release in the brand’s Wildlife Collection. In April, Milam and Greene launched the Bobcat Single Barrel Bourbon, which clocked in at a lower 119.48 proof. Prior to that, the brand released the Scorpion in February. The purpose of the collection was to provide answers to the question: “How does weather affect aging whiskey?”

About Milam & Greene Whiskey

Milam & Greene was created by founder Marsha Milam, whiskey expert and Master Blender Heather Greene, and Kentucky veteran Master Distiller Marlene Holmes. Our charming distillery sits in the lush, Texas Hill Country where the hot summers, mild winters, and wild temperature variances add spark and personality to our spirit. To achieve excellence, we bring in grains, yeast, barrels and experience from all across America to create our award-winning whiskies. As well as multiple gold, double gold and platinum awards from credible spirits competitions and high marks from Wine Enthusiast, in 2021 Milam & Greene was awarded the “People’s Choice Award” at The Texas Whiskey Festival and “Best in Show” out of 550 entrants at The American Craft Spirits Association.

For more information please visit https://milamandgreenewhiskey.com/

Saint Brendan’s Irish Cream Releases A Salted Caramel Version

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Saint Brendan'sA new spirit is looking to make summer a bit sweeter. Saint Brendan’s Irish Cream recently introduced its salted caramel version.

A statement from the spirits brand noted that this expression is made with triple-distilled Irish whiskey, cream from Irish dairy farms, and a salted caramel flavor.

It’s made by Niche Drinks in Northern Ireland, and the Irish cream clocks in at 34 proof (17% ABV). Saint Brendan’s Irish Cream Salted Caramel will be available by the end of July, and has a suggested price of $14.99 per 750 ml bottle.

The tasting notes from Saint Brendan’s shows that the salted caramel Irish cream features aromas of sweet vanilla, caramel and toffee on the nose, with cream and sweet whiskey on the palate. The finish is warm and sugary, highlighting the sea salt and caramel flavor.

“The salted caramel flavor combination continues to grow in popularity with adult consumers,” said Allison O’Brien, brand manager for Luxco’s Irish portfolio. “Adding this ultimate sweet-and-salty combination to Saint Brendan’s Irish Cream was a perfect match, resulting in a product that delivers across the taste profile.”

About Saint Brendan’s

Our name is inspired by Saint Brendan the Abbot, an ancient Irish monk, who was known for his remarkable travels and adventure. His valiant spirit guided our quest for the most authentic and indulgent Irish Cream. Our unique blend is crafted for a taste that’s elegantly smooth, gentle, and creamy. You’ll enjoy notes of vanilla, marshmallow, chocolate, and a touch of spice.

For more information please visit https://stbrendans.com/

Teeling Whiskey Unveils Limited-Edition 15-Year-Old Single Grain Finished in Ex-Bordeaux Sauvignon Blanc Casks

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Teeling WhiskeyTeeling Whiskey has announced the launch of Teeling 15-Year-Old Irish Single Grain, a limited edition Irish whiskey distilled predominantly from corn.

Triple distilled from a recipe of 95% corn and 5% malted barley, Teeling 15 Year Old Irish Single Grain was initially matured in ex-bourbon casks, followed by a secondary maturation in ex-Bordeaux Sauvignon Blanc White Wine casks, before being bottled at 50% ABV with no chill filtration.

Teeling 15-Year-Old Irish Single Grain is described as having aromas of “light citrus, grapefruit, delicate green apple, and honeysuckles.” The palate exhibits “fresh and zesty peppers with honeydew melon, vanilla sweetness, and hints of pear,” concluding with a “drying” finish with “lingering subtle fruit notes.”

Teeling 15-Year-Old Single Grain will initially be available in Ireland at the Teeling Whiskey Distillery, The Celtic Whiskey Shop, and select Irish retailers at a recommended retail price of €110.00 for a 70 cL bottle. A rollout to international markets across Asia and Europe will follow over the next few months.

About Teeling Whiskey
Teeling Whiskey is a bold revival of Dublin’s legendary distilling heritage, founded by brothers Jack and Stephen Teeling—descendants of a family crafting Irish whiskey since 1782. In 2015, they opened the Teeling Distillery in the heart of the Liberties, the city’s historic “Golden Triangle” of whiskey-making, marking the first new distillery in Dublin in over 125 years. With a phoenix rising from a pot still as their emblem, Teeling embodies innovation while honoring tradition, bottling at a robust 46% ABV with no chill-filtration for maximum flavor, and earning over 650 international awards to become the world’s most awarded Irish whiskey brand.

The lineup dazzles with unconventional flair: the flagship Small Batch blends malt and grain finished in rum casks for sweet tropical notes; the vibrant Single Malt draws from five wine cask influences for a fruit-forward symphony; the spicy Single Pot Still revives Dublin’s classic style with virgin oak; and rarities like peated Blackpitts or ultra-aged Vintage Reserves (including multiple “World’s Best” winners) push boundaries. Perfect for neat sipping, cocktails, or tours at the buzzing distillery—Teeling is leading the Irish whiskey renaissance with character in every pour!

For more information visit: https://www.teelingwhiskey.com/us/en/

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