Bushmills “The Rare Casks” 29-Year-Old Pedro Ximénez Cask at 53% ABV — at $750/750ml, the question is whether it delivers on its promise. I sat down with a pour to find out.
Nose
Mashbill of 100% Irish malted barley. Began in copper pot stills in 1992, matured for more than a decade in hand-selected ex-bourbon barrels, followed by an additional 17 years in Pedro Ximénez sherry casks. 53% ABV. SRP $750/750ml. The Ximénez cask really comes through on the nose, along with sugar cane and a bit of spice.
Palate
The whiskey is the spitting image of organic maple syrup.
Finish
This decadent whiskey is syrupy, with an oily mouthfeel that distributes the heat beautifully. I tasted anise, orange peel, and a nuttiness met well with the traditional sweetness of classic Bushmills and enjoyed a lingering finish.
The Bottom Line
Bushmills “The Rare Casks” 29-Year-Old Pedro Ximénez Cask is outstanding — one of those bottles that reminds you why you fell in love with whiskey in the first place. If you see it at $750/750ml, do not hesitate. This one earns a permanent spot on the shelf.
