SEPTEMBER 2025
For more than four centuries, Bushmills has defined what it means to craft the world’s most-awarded single malt whiskey.
Today, with the release of Bushmills 26 Year Old Crystal Malt, we unveil a rare innovation in single malt whiskey-making – one that rewrites the rules of how flavor is made.
Unlike most single malts, where character comes alive in the barrel, the story of this Crystal Malt begins with the barley itself. By crystallizing the sugars during the malting stage — long before distillation — we develop a spirit already rich with velvety chocolate and toffee tones. Twenty-six years of patient maturation in first-fill bourbon barrels from Kentucky’s famed Kelvin Cooperage refined those flavors into something luminous, bottled at 46% ABV and offered only in the rarest allocation.
As one of the most coveted luxury whiskeys ever released by Bushmills, it embodies both rarity and mastery — a single malt crafted for collectors, connoisseurs, and anyone who values excellence in every pour.
Crafting a Luxury Whiskey From Crystal Malt
To understand the 26 Year Old Crystal Malt, think of it less as a whiskey shaped by wood, and more as one whose profile is written into the grain itself. The choice to crystallize barley sugars during malting is a fascinating evolution from tradition — a decision that infuses the spirit with richness before the casks ever touch it. It’s a rare kind of alchemy, where chocolate and caramel sweetness are locked into the whiskey’s foundation, waiting decades to reveal themselves in full.
Our Master Blender, Alex Thomas, explains it best:
“Crystal malt imbues our new make spirit… before the spirit has even been created.”
From there, patience becomes the master. Triple distilled and laid to rest in first-fill bourbon barrels from Kentucky’s Kelvin Cooperage, the 26 Year Old Crystal Malt slowly evolves over more than two decades. The casks amplify its creamy malt character with soft vanilla and subtle oak, while deepening the chocolate and caramel notes first unlocked in the grain. What emerges is a never-before-seen expression of single malt whiskey — one that affirms Bushmills’ place among the most awarded Irish whiskeys in the world.
Tasting the Best Irish Whiskey: A Sensory Journey
Unlike other high end whiskey brands of the same age, the 26 Year Old Crystal Malt possesses a radiant golden hue, light in color yet profound in character. This single malt whiskey unfolds gradually, rewarding patience with layers of depth and texture expressed in delicate harmony.
Nose
Lifted by whispers of soft oak, a sweep of rich caramel and creamy chocolate greets the senses. It’s an aroma that signals both indulgence and refinement, inviting you to an intimate encounter.
Palate
On the tongue, the texture turns velvety, coating the palate with layered vanilla and malt sweetness. Subtle hints of spice punctuate the experience, adding depth and complexity with every sip.
Finish
Long, warming, and elegantly balanced, the finish is a final expression of this whiskey’s singular character, perfected through expert blending and careful maturation.
Best savored on its own, this is a good whiskey to drink neat, offering an exceptional experience for the discerning palate and a testament to why Bushmills remains one of the most awarded Irish whiskeys available.
The Art of Gifting High End Whiskey
To gift the Bushmills 26 Year Old Crystal Malt is to place a piece of whiskey history in someone’s hands. Its rarity and refinement make it the ultimate gesture of connoisseurship, and the answer to elusive searches for high end whiskey gifts.
The stunning teal of the gift box is a color as unique as the whiskey within. The blue in the bottle and intricate design of this rare Irish whiskey make it a striking addition to any collection. This gift box elevates the experience from the moment it is received, a testament to the meticulous care and unparalleled craftsmanship that goes into every aspect of this exceptional Bushmills release.
This release joins the distinguished lineage of Bushmills’ most exclusive single malts – the 25, 30, and 46 Year Old Single Malts each marking a milestone in our centuries long tenure as Ireland’s most awarded single malt. An exquisite gem, this Crystal Malt carries the prestige of a Double Gold from the San Francisco World Spirits Competition before it even reaches a glass. With its rare crystal malting process, and limited availability, it’s destined for the shelves of discerning collectors.
Secure Your Bottle of 26 Year Old Crystal Malt.
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