Bushmills 1608 Anniversary Edition Blended Irish Whiskey (750ml)

A hard to find special edition Bushmills, this commemorates the 400th anniversary of the license to distil in Antrim originally granted in 1608 to Sir Thomas Phillips. The blend is notable, containing only 5% grain whiskey and 95% malt, 30% of which is "crystal malt". This is high-nitrogen malt that's wetted and roasted in a rotating drum before kilning. It's said to contribute sweet toffee-like flavours.

...A blend of three different types of whiskey -- malt whiskey, grain whiskey, and a third component which is said to be a malt whiskey produced from crystal malt. Brewers and homebrewers know crystal malt well, a slightly caramelized version of malted barley. Its rich texture suggests a decent malt content for a blend. Layers of sweetness (honeyed vanilla, rummy molasses, toasted marshmallow) are balanced by toasted nuts, dried fruit, and dark chocolate. Very dynamic and with plenty of grit. Smartly bottled at 46%. 90 points
- www.maltadvocate.com, (Fall 2008) Reviewed by: John Hansell

...The nosing passes find notes of almond paste, straw, brown butter, nougat, dark toffee, worn saddle leather and canola oil. Rich flavors of caramel, cocoa, and malted barley at entry; midpalate adds flavors of tapioca, old honey and butter cream on top of the intense graininess. Finishes malty sweet, buttery, oily and multilayered. Very nice. 90-95 points - www.wineenthusiast.com