The County Antrim-based Bushmills Distillery has today announced the launch of the oldest Irish single malt whiskey ever to be released.

Bushmills 46 Year Old – Secrets of the River Bush (46.3% ABV) is an Irish single malt whiskey, nurtured by two generations of whiskey makers and matured for almost half a century in Oloroso Sherry butts from the Antonio Paez Lobato Cooperage in Jerez, Spain.

This latest release which is said to be an artful marriage of Bushmills’ most elusive reserves, dating back to 1978, is a celebration of the River Bush and its journey over the beds of black basalt rock – the same iconic rock that’s synonymous with the world-famous Giant’s Causeway.

Flowing through the heart of Bushmills since the whiskey’s story began in 1608, the water has played an intrinsic role in every drop of Bushmills Irish Whiskey for over 415 years – embodying its restless spirit and an insatiable appetite to push boundaries.

Bushmills 46 Year Old – Secrets of the River Bush, which comes housed in a bespoke handcrafted hexagonal presentation box is said to deliver notes of ripe dark fruits, sweet apricot, caramel and gentle waves of warm oak on the nose. Followed by notes of cinnamon, crushed clove, nutmeg, sweet black cherries, apricots, roasted coffee, oak and warm toffee on the palate.

Commenting on the launch, Alex Thomas, Bushmills Master Blender, said: “This isn’t just a smooth, rare single malt whiskey, this is real history in the making. For 46 years, we’ve patiently watched over this remarkable liquid and witnessed it transform into this rich, dark beauty. This is Bushmills at its best. This stunning whiskey just shows you what time can do. For nearly half a century it has gradually breathed in the wood and matured slowly.  It’s rich and authentic, and full of flavour straight from the cask – creating a bold unprecedented experience for the whiskey connoisseur.”

Limited to 300 individually numbered bottles, Bushmills 46 Year Old – Secrets of the River Bush, will be available in the coming weeks from specially selected retailers, for a RRP of $12,500.