Bushmills 12 Year Private Reserve Bordeaux Casks Irish Whiskey 750mL

Bushmills 12 Year Private Reserve Bordeaux Casks Single Malt Irish Whiskey

Irish Single Malt | 47% ABV | 94 Proof | 750mL | Aged 12 Years | Northern Ireland | 2012 Vintage | Non-Chill Filtered

Process & Profile

Bushmills 12 Year Private Reserve Bordeaux Casks pairs triple-distilled Irish single malt with an extended French red wine cask finish. Made from 100% unpeated malted barley, this small-batch release begins with six years of maturation in bourbon barrels and Oloroso sherry casks, followed by at least six years in Bordeaux wine casks from Pomerol, France.

That lengthy finishing period gives the Bordeaux casks a substantial role in the whiskey’s development. Ripe plum, raspberry, and black cherry mingle with vanilla, honey, and ginger, while lemon peel and gentle spice brighten the finish. Bottled at 94 proof without chill filtration, it offers a fruit-forward interpretation of Bushmills’ single malt character.

Tasting Notes

• Nose: Ripe plum, wild berries, and warm vanilla.

• Palate: Velvety plum, raspberry, and black cherry, followed by apple, honey, ginger, and vanilla.

• Finish: Long and gently dry, with soft spice, lemon peel, and lingering ripe fruit.

What Makes It Special

• Extended Bordeaux finish: At least six years in wine casks from Pomerol.

• Three cask influences: Bourbon, Oloroso sherry, and Bordeaux contribute to its development.

• 12-year age statement: Includes both the initial maturation and subsequent wine cask aging.

• Triple-distilled single malt: Produced from 100% unpeated malted barley.

• Non-chill filtered: Presented at 47% ABV.

• Private Reserve release: Part of Bushmills’ limited collection exploring distinctive cask finishes.

How to Enjoy

Start neat in a tulip-shaped glass to explore the berry, vanilla, and spice notes. Add a few drops of water to adjust the strength to your preference, or serve over one large ice cube.

For a food pairing, try dark chocolate, toasted almonds, or aged cheddar.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How long is Bushmills Private Reserve Bordeaux Casks aged?
   It spends six years in bourbon barrels and Oloroso sherry casks, followed by at least six years in Pomerol Bordeaux wine casks, for a 12-year age statement.

2. What does the Bordeaux cask release taste like?
   Expect plum, raspberry, and black cherry alongside vanilla, honey, apple, and ginger. The finish brings gentle spice, lemon peel, and ripe fruit.

3. How does it differ from the regular Bushmills 12 Year?
   The Private Reserve expression features an extended Bordeaux wine cask finish. The regular Bushmills 12 Year uses a Marsala wine cask finish after bourbon and Oloroso sherry maturation.

4. Is Bushmills 12 Year Private Reserve Bordeaux Casks peated?
   No. It is made from unpeated malted barley, with a profile centered on fruit, vanilla, and cask-derived spice.

5. Where can I buy Bushmills 12 Year Private Reserve Bordeaux Casks Single Malt Irish Whiskey?
   You can purchase Bushmills 12 Year Private Reserve Bordeaux Casks Single Malt Irish Whiskey directly from The Barrel Tap.