Bushmills The Causeway Collection 10 Year Old Sauternes Finish

Distilled on 18 December 2012 and bottled in 2023, this 10 year old single malt from Bushmills forms part of The Causeway Collection and was selected for release in the French market. It explores the direct impact of sweet wine casks on youthful Bushmills spirit.

After initial maturation in Oloroso sherry butts and ex bourbon barrels, the whiskey was transferred into Sauternes wine casks for its finishing period and bottled at 56.8 percent ABV without chill filtration.

Sauternes is a sweet wine from Bordeaux, produced primarily from Sémillon, Sauvignon Blanc and Muscadelle grapes affected by noble rot. The wine leaves behind a high concentration of sugars, acids and aromatic compounds in the oak. During finishing, these components dissolve into the whiskey, contributing pronounced stone fruit character, honeyed citrus and a richer, more saturated mid palate.

Bottling at higher strength stretches the flavour across the palate rather than letting it peak early. Structure holds from entry through the finish, giving the sweetness weight and persistence rather than softness. Bottling without chill filtration preserves these flavour active compounds, supporting texture and length.

On the nose, the whiskey shows honey, orange peel and orchard fruit over seasoned oak. The palate is dense and fruit led, with apricot, peach and marmalade developing alongside oak spice. The finish is long and sweetly fruited, with spice and oak carrying through.