Bushmills 14 Málaga Cask review
Hey Everyone. Today we will be taking a look at the Bushmills 14 Málaga cask Irish single malt whiskey. I haven't seen many reviews of this particular bottle, perhaps because it is a new addition to their core range. That's why I decided that I'll write a review of this bottle. And of course because it is very tasty.
This new addition joins an iconic lineup comprising the Bushmills 10, 16, and 21 Year Olds and the recently released 25 and 30 Year Old expressions. Unlike its sherry-inspired siblings in the Bushmills prestige range, the new 14 Year Old is finished in Malaga casks, making it unmistakably different.
Firstly it is matured in first and second-fill bourbon casks for 14 years and then it is finished for up to 12 months in Muscat of Alexandria white wine Málaga casks.
Muscat of Alexandria is a white wine grape that is a member of the Muscat family of Vitis vinifera. It is considered an "ancient vine", and wine experts believe it is one of the oldest genetically unmodified vines still in existence. The grape originated in North Africa, and the name is probably derived from its association with Ancient Egyptians who used the grape for wine making. It is also a table grape used for eating and raisins. The vine thrives in a hot climate and is particularly sensitive to the cold during its flowering season. In the northern hemisphere it is ripe in August, and is a seeded grape.
Málaga is a sweet fortified wine originating in the Spanish city of Málaga made from Pedro Ximénez and Moscatel grapes.
This is what Alex Tomas, the master blender of Bushmills says about this release:
"The team here at Bushmills has always had a restless spirit. We've an insatiable curiosity when it comes to whiskey innovation. I really wanted to step out of my comfort zone and create an exciting taste experience for everyone – something a bit unexpected that's unlike any other expression in our core range."
Alex proudly highlights that the Spanish fortified wine was patiently left to soak deep into the oak barrels for four to five years, seasoning the wood with a buquet of summer fruits balanced with a lovely hint of cinnamon and ginger. The casks were then sent to the Old Bushmills Distillery just three days after being emptied to be as fresh as possible. Alex is very confident that this release will be to everyones liking.
"I've been on the journey, so I know the 14 Years Old's exceptional quality is undeniable. I also have a lot of experience with Muscat of Alexandria, the grape variety carefully chosen to produce the Malaga wine we use to season our oak barrels. Wine lovers will know this is one of the oldest grapes in the world and produces incredible flavour profiles. I really feel this is a whiskey for everyone."
Nose: Green apples with lots of vanilla and toffee. Apricot jam and pear juice. Sweet manuka honey, seville oranges, cinnamon and oak spice. Lovely nose.
Taste: Wow. Fresh apples, apricot and pear. Then the wine cask influence really kicks in with grapes, mango and some raisins. Tropical fruits such as pineapple. Spicy. Ginger, cinnamon and oak spice. Lots of vanilla and toffee. Very complex, very round and sweet. The 40% abv works very well here, this is what always surprises me with Bushmills. Their ability to be so tasty and complex at 40% abv.
Finish: Long. Sweet and complex. Lots of vanilla, seville oranges and cinnamon. This is a great finish.
Overall I have to say that this is a very well put together whiskey. The nose is magnificent and I could nose this for the whole night, the taste is complex, smooth and nice. The finish is long enough so that you don't want another sip immediately. I will say that this is a great addition to their core range because it steps in between the 10 and the 16 and fills the price gap very well. I recommend you buy one. 87 / 100
I have had a photoshoot of a few of my Bushmills bottles and created a reel of it on Instagram. Make sure to check it out HERE. Also check out my reel of all the whiskies I have reviewed so far HERE.
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Thank you for reading! I hope you enjoyed it. To many more. Sláinte.