Bushmills Rare Cask 30 Year Old Single Malt Irish Whiskey – Madeira Cask Finish, 49% ABV (Rare Casks Series #3)
Bushmills Rare Cask 30 Year Madeira is one of the most distinctive ultra-aged Irish whiskeys available—dense, fruit-driven, and remarkably textured. The extended Madeira cask influence pushes it into deeper, richer territory than typical Bushmills releases. This is a serious collector whisky that combines age, innovation, and bold flavor in equal measure.
Origins & Craftsmanship
Produced at the historic Old Bushmills Distillery, this expression is part of the Rare Casks Series, a U.S.-focused collection showcasing experimental long-term cask maturation.
This release (Rare Cask #3) is built around a unique maturation program:
- Initially aged just over 13 years in bourbon and Oloroso sherry casks
- Then transferred into three first-fill Madeira wine casks, where it spends the majority of its remaining life
In total, the whisky reaches 30 years of age, with a remarkably long secondary maturation (~17 years) in Madeira—an unusually extended finishing period that defines its identity.
Bushmills’ signature triple distillation ensures a smooth, fruit-forward spirit that can absorb this intense cask influence without becoming overly tannic. The result is a whisky that leans more toward dark fruit, confectionery richness, and spice than traditional Irish profiles.
Bottled at 49% ABV, it retains both weight and complexity, positioning it firmly in the ultra-premium, limited-release category.
Critics Reviews
"After 17 years in a madeira cask, this whisky goes for the base notes, with aromas of peppercorn, nutmeg, coriander seed, chocolate-hazelnut ganache, bramble, dried fig, and mixed peel in syrup. Amazingly thick and chewy, the flavors of dark fruits, cooked apple, caramel, chocolate, and pepper melt into a pool of malty chocolate, praline, fig roll, then concentrated red fruit continues into a lengthy, velvety finish." Whiskey Advocate 93 Points
Tasting Profile
Nose: Dried fig, dark berry compote, chocolate ganache, and baking spice with subtle citrus peel.
Palate: Rich and weighty—caramel, cooked apple, red fruit, praline, and spice with a dense, almost syrupy texture.
Finish: Long and velvety, with lingering chocolate, dried fruit, and warming spice.
Quick Overview
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| ABV / Proof | 49% ABV (98 Proof) |
| Origin / Region | Northern Ireland |
| Producer | Bushmills |
| Key Inputs | 100% malted barley |
| Aging / Maturation | 13+ years bourbon & sherry casks, extended maturation in Madeira casks |
| Special Attributes | Rare Casks Series #3, ultra-aged, extended Madeira finish |
| Aromas & Flavors | Dried fruit, chocolate, caramel, spice, citrus peel |
| Style / Identity | Rich, fruit-driven, dessert-leaning ultra-aged Irish single malt |
Serving & Occasion
Best enjoyed neat with time to evolve in the glass. Ideal for collectors, milestone gifting, or high-end tastings focused on fortified wine cask influence.
Product Information
Product Information
Shipping & Returns
Shipping & Returns
Description
Bushmills Rare Cask 30 Year Madeira is one of the most distinctive ultra-aged Irish whiskeys available—dense, fruit-driven, and remarkably textured. The extended Madeira cask influence pushes it into deeper, richer territory than typical Bushmills releases. This is a serious collector whisky that combines age, innovation, and bold flavor in equal measure.
Origins & Craftsmanship
Produced at the historic Old Bushmills Distillery, this expression is part of the Rare Casks Series, a U.S.-focused collection showcasing experimental long-term cask maturation.
This release (Rare Cask #3) is built around a unique maturation program:
- Initially aged just over 13 years in bourbon and Oloroso sherry casks
- Then transferred into three first-fill Madeira wine casks, where it spends the majority of its remaining life
In total, the whisky reaches 30 years of age, with a remarkably long secondary maturation (~17 years) in Madeira—an unusually extended finishing period that defines its identity.
Bushmills’ signature triple distillation ensures a smooth, fruit-forward spirit that can absorb this intense cask influence without becoming overly tannic. The result is a whisky that leans more toward dark fruit, confectionery richness, and spice than traditional Irish profiles.
Bottled at 49% ABV, it retains both weight and complexity, positioning it firmly in the ultra-premium, limited-release category.
Critics Reviews
"After 17 years in a madeira cask, this whisky goes for the base notes, with aromas of peppercorn, nutmeg, coriander seed, chocolate-hazelnut ganache, bramble, dried fig, and mixed peel in syrup. Amazingly thick and chewy, the flavors of dark fruits, cooked apple, caramel, chocolate, and pepper melt into a pool of malty chocolate, praline, fig roll, then concentrated red fruit continues into a lengthy, velvety finish." Whiskey Advocate 93 Points
Tasting Profile
Nose: Dried fig, dark berry compote, chocolate ganache, and baking spice with subtle citrus peel.
Palate: Rich and weighty—caramel, cooked apple, red fruit, praline, and spice with a dense, almost syrupy texture.
Finish: Long and velvety, with lingering chocolate, dried fruit, and warming spice.
Quick Overview
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| ABV / Proof | 49% ABV (98 Proof) |
| Origin / Region | Northern Ireland |
| Producer | Bushmills |
| Key Inputs | 100% malted barley |
| Aging / Maturation | 13+ years bourbon & sherry casks, extended maturation in Madeira casks |
| Special Attributes | Rare Casks Series #3, ultra-aged, extended Madeira finish |
| Aromas & Flavors | Dried fruit, chocolate, caramel, spice, citrus peel |
| Style / Identity | Rich, fruit-driven, dessert-leaning ultra-aged Irish single malt |
Serving & Occasion
Best enjoyed neat with time to evolve in the glass. Ideal for collectors, milestone gifting, or high-end tastings focused on fortified wine cask influence.
