Interview With Bushmills’ Master Blender, Alex Thomas
March 06 | 6 minute read
Dublin & Cork Airport Duty Free: Can you tell us about where the whiskey is produced and what makes this location so special?
Alex Thomas: The Old Bushmills Distillery is nestled on Ireland’s rugged north coast, in the village of Bushmills, from which we take our name. Just a stone’s throw from the UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Giant’s Causeway, our whiskey is shaped by the land and its natural elements. The River Bush, which winds its way from the Antrim Hills through the same basalt rock formations as the Giant’s Causeway, has been the lifeblood of our whiskey-making process for centuries. We draw our water from Saint Columb's Rill, a tributary of the River Bush, ensuring every drop of Bushmills Irish Whiskey is infused with the character of this historic landscape.
Dublin & Cork Airport Duty Free: Bushmills Irish Whiskey is steeped in history. Can you provide some background on the distillery and its legacy?
Alex Thomas: Bushmills Irish Whiskey traces its origins back to 1608, making us the world’s oldest licensed whiskey distillery. For over four centuries, we’ve remained dedicated to our craft, refining techniques passed down through generations.
Unlike many distilleries, we oversee every stage of production on-site - from malt distilling and maturation to blending and bottling. This grain-to-glass approach, combined with our rich heritage and craftsmanship, makes Bushmills an enduring icon in the world of whiskey.
Dublin & Cork Airport Duty Free: What is the distillation process used for this whiskey?
Alex Thomas: We use double distillation using flame-fed stills. Killowen have selected two handmade artisan stills named Christoir (1000 litre) and Broc (800 litre). Both pot stills are ‘flame-fed’ and our condensers are worm tub. We believe the ancient still shape, size, flame heat and worm tub condensation help create a traditional spirit with a contemporary twist.
Dublin & Cork Airport Duty Free: As the oldest Irish single malt ever released, why is now the right moment for this whiskey to enter the market?
Alex Thomas: The Irish whiskey landscape is undergoing a remarkable evolution, with an increasing demand for ultra-premium expressions. Consumers are seeking depth, authenticity, and rarity in their whiskey, making now the perfect time to unveil this extraordinary release. For 46 years, this whiskey has been maturing under our careful watch, evolving into something truly exceptional. Now, at the peak of its perfection, it’s ready to be shared with the world - a testament to patience, expertise, and the relentless pursuit of quality. This is Bushmills at its best.
Dublin & Cork Airport Duty Free: The River Bush plays a central role in this release. How does it influence this whiskey?
Alex Thomas: Without the river, there would be no Bushmills Irish Whiskey – the two are inextricably linked. This whiskey pays homage to the river that has shaped our distillery’s history for over 415 years. Flowing through black basalt rock, the River Bush mirrors the journey of our whiskey: shaped by time, enriched by its surroundings, and a force of nature in its own right. ‘Secrets of the River Bush’ captures this essence - both in the character of the whiskey and the story it tells, celebrating the restless spirit that has defined Bushmills since 1608.
Dublin & Cork Airport Duty Free: For collectors and whiskey lovers alike, what makes this release truly unmissable?
Alex Thomas: With only 300 sequentially numbered bottles available globally, this is a once-in-a-lifetime release. The depth of flavour, the rarity of the liquid, and the sheer history behind it make this a true collector’s item - one that belongs in the hands of true whiskey lovers.
Dublin & Cork Airport Duty Free: WWhat can you tell us about the maturation journey of this whiskey? Which barrels were chosen, and how have they shaped its character?
Alex Thomas: This whiskey has spent nearly half a century resting in Oloroso sherry butts sourced from the renowned Antonio Paez Lobato Cooperage in Jerez, Spain. These casks have imbued the liquid with a deep, rich mahogany hue and layers of complexity. The long maturation process has allowed the whiskey to absorb the rich, dried-fruit notes from the sherry-soaked wood, while also developing an unparalleled depth of spice, oak, and dark chocolate. The result is a whiskey that tells the story of time itself.
Dublin & Cork Airport Duty Free: How would you describe the flavour profile of this whiskey, and how has time enhanced its complexity?
Alex Thomas: The nose reveals an exquisite balance of ripe dark fruits, sweet apricot, and caramel, wrapped in gentle waves of warm oak. On the palate, rich and spicy notes of cinnamon, crushed clove, and nutmeg unfold, deepening into luscious black cherries and stewed apricots. The finish is an indulgent symphony of roasted coffee, oak, and dark chocolate - silky, lingering, and beautifully complex. Decades of maturation have amplified every nuance, creating a whiskey that evolves with every sip.
Dublin & Cork Airport Duty Free: How does this whiskey stand apart from other aged single malts in terms of taste, texture, and overall experience?
Alex Thomas: This whiskey isn’t just about age - it’s about the transformation that happens over time. The careful curation of this liquid across two generations of craftspeople has resulted in a whiskey that’s both bold and elegant. Its luxurious texture, multi-layered complexity, and the way its flavours unfold on the palate make it truly unique. This is history in a glass - a rare example of what time and expertise can achieve when given nearly five decades to work their magic.
Dublin & Cork Airport Duty Free: The packaging plays a key role in storytelling. What elements of the bottle design reflect the whiskey’s heritage and rarity?
Alex Thomas: The Bushmills 46 Year Old ‘Secrets of The River Bush’ is presented in a striking hexagonal handcrafted walnut case, inspired by the natural contours of the River Bush and the landscape surrounding Bushmills. The gold engraving along the centre traces the river’s journey from its source to the Old Bushmills Distillery, reflecting the deep connection between the whiskey and its environment. This packaging serves as a tribute to the elements that have shaped this extraordinary whiskey.
Dublin & Cork Airport Duty Free: How do you recommend consumers enjoy this whiskey?
Alex Thomas: There’s no wrong way to enjoy it, but to fully appreciate the depth of flavour, I recommend drinking it neat, at room temperature in a quiet setting. This allows the whiskey’s full complexity to unfold naturally. If needed, a few drops of water can help unlock additional nuances, but I always suggest tasting it neat first to experience it in its purest form. This is a whiskey that deserves to be savoured slowly, allowing every layer of flavour to reveal itself.
Dublin & Cork Airport Duty Free: Can you tell us about where the whiskey is produced and what makes this location so special?
Alex Thomas: The Old Bushmills Distillery is nestled on Ireland’s rugged north coast, in the village of Bushmills, from which we take our name. Just a stone’s throw from the UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Giant’s Causeway, our whiskey is shaped by the land and its natural elements. The River Bush, which winds its way from the Antrim Hills through the same basalt rock formations as the Giant’s Causeway, has been the lifeblood of our whiskey-making process for centuries. We draw our water from Saint Columb's Rill, a tributary of the River Bush, ensuring every drop of Bushmills Irish Whiskey is infused with the character of this historic landscape.
Dublin & Cork Airport Duty Free: Bushmills Irish Whiskey is steeped in history. Can you provide some background on the distillery and its legacy?
Alex Thomas: Bushmills Irish Whiskey traces its origins back to 1608, making us the world’s oldest licensed whiskey distillery. For over four centuries, we’ve remained dedicated to our craft, refining techniques passed down through generations.
Unlike many distilleries, we oversee every stage of production on-site - from malt distilling and maturation to blending and bottling. This grain-to-glass approach, combined with our rich heritage and craftsmanship, makes Bushmills an enduring icon in the world of whiskey.
Dublin & Cork Airport Duty Free: What is the distillation process used for this whiskey?
Alex Thomas: We use double distillation using flame-fed stills. Killowen have selected two handmade artisan stills named Christoir (1000 litre) and Broc (800 litre). Both pot stills are ‘flame-fed’ and our condensers are worm tub. We believe the ancient still shape, size, flame heat and worm tub condensation help create a traditional spirit with a contemporary twist.
Dublin & Cork Airport Duty Free: As the oldest Irish single malt ever released, why is now the right moment for this whiskey to enter the market?
Alex Thomas: The Irish whiskey landscape is undergoing a remarkable evolution, with an increasing demand for ultra-premium expressions. Consumers are seeking depth, authenticity, and rarity in their whiskey, making now the perfect time to unveil this extraordinary release. For 46 years, this whiskey has been maturing under our careful watch, evolving into something truly exceptional. Now, at the peak of its perfection, it’s ready to be shared with the world - a testament to patience, expertise, and the relentless pursuit of quality. This is Bushmills at its best.
Dublin & Cork Airport Duty Free: The River Bush plays a central role in this release. How does it influence this whiskey?
Alex Thomas: Without the river, there would be no Bushmills Irish Whiskey – the two are inextricably linked. This whiskey pays homage to the river that has shaped our distillery’s history for over 415 years. Flowing through black basalt rock, the River Bush mirrors the journey of our whiskey: shaped by time, enriched by its surroundings, and a force of nature in its own right. ‘Secrets of the River Bush’ captures this essence - both in the character of the whiskey and the story it tells, celebrating the restless spirit that has defined Bushmills since 1608.
Dublin & Cork Airport Duty Free: For collectors and whiskey lovers alike, what makes this release truly unmissable?
Alex Thomas: With only 300 sequentially numbered bottles available globally, this is a once-in-a-lifetime release. The depth of flavour, the rarity of the liquid, and the sheer history behind it make this a true collector’s item - one that belongs in the hands of true whiskey lovers.
Dublin & Cork Airport Duty Free: WWhat can you tell us about the maturation journey of this whiskey? Which barrels were chosen, and how have they shaped its character?
Alex Thomas: This whiskey has spent nearly half a century resting in Oloroso sherry butts sourced from the renowned Antonio Paez Lobato Cooperage in Jerez, Spain. These casks have imbued the liquid with a deep, rich mahogany hue and layers of complexity. The long maturation process has allowed the whiskey to absorb the rich, dried-fruit notes from the sherry-soaked wood, while also developing an unparalleled depth of spice, oak, and dark chocolate. The result is a whiskey that tells the story of time itself.
Dublin & Cork Airport Duty Free: How would you describe the flavour profile of this whiskey, and how has time enhanced its complexity?
Alex Thomas: The nose reveals an exquisite balance of ripe dark fruits, sweet apricot, and caramel, wrapped in gentle waves of warm oak. On the palate, rich and spicy notes of cinnamon, crushed clove, and nutmeg unfold, deepening into luscious black cherries and stewed apricots. The finish is an indulgent symphony of roasted coffee, oak, and dark chocolate - silky, lingering, and beautifully complex. Decades of maturation have amplified every nuance, creating a whiskey that evolves with every sip.
Dublin & Cork Airport Duty Free: How does this whiskey stand apart from other aged single malts in terms of taste, texture, and overall experience?
Alex Thomas: This whiskey isn’t just about age - it’s about the transformation that happens over time. The careful curation of this liquid across two generations of craftspeople has resulted in a whiskey that’s both bold and elegant. Its luxurious texture, multi-layered complexity, and the way its flavours unfold on the palate make it truly unique. This is history in a glass - a rare example of what time and expertise can achieve when given nearly five decades to work their magic.
Dublin & Cork Airport Duty Free: The packaging plays a key role in storytelling. What elements of the bottle design reflect the whiskey’s heritage and rarity?
Alex Thomas: The Bushmills 46 Year Old ‘Secrets of The River Bush’ is presented in a striking hexagonal handcrafted walnut case, inspired by the natural contours of the River Bush and the landscape surrounding Bushmills. The gold engraving along the centre traces the river’s journey from its source to the Old Bushmills Distillery, reflecting the deep connection between the whiskey and its environment. This packaging serves as a tribute to the elements that have shaped this extraordinary whiskey.
Dublin & Cork Airport Duty Free: How do you recommend consumers enjoy this whiskey?
Alex Thomas: There’s no wrong way to enjoy it, but to fully appreciate the depth of flavour, I recommend drinking it neat, at room temperature in a quiet setting. This allows the whiskey’s full complexity to unfold naturally. If needed, a few drops of water can help unlock additional nuances, but I always suggest tasting it neat first to experience it in its purest form. This is a whiskey that deserves to be savoured slowly, allowing every layer of flavour to reveal itself.
