The Bushmills 31 Year Old Single Malt is an extraordinary expression that stands at the pinnacle of the distillery’s Rare Casks Series, showcasing the immense patience and craftsmanship that define the Bushmills legacy. Bottled at 46% ABV, this rare whiskey began its journey with an initial maturation of 14 years in a combination of hand-selected bourbon barrels and Oloroso sherry butts, where it developed a rich foundation of complexity. The whiskey was then given an exceptionally long finishing period of 17 years in first-fill and second-fill Madeira wine casks, sourced specially from Portugal, imparting a layered depth of dried fruits, warm spices, and sweet nutty character. The influence of the Madeira casks brings forward notes of mandarin peel, roasted nuts, juicy apricot, and vanilla cream on the nose, leading into a luxurious palate of honeyed malt, tropical fruit, cocoa, and a touch of spiced oak. The finish is long, silky, and remarkably balanced, with a gentle fade of vanilla, figs, and wine-soaked wood. This is not only a showcase of masterful cask management but also one of the most exclusive and celebrated whiskeys ever produced by Bushmills.