Bushmills The Causeway Collection 22 Year Old Mizunara Cask

Distilled on 11 June 2002 and bottled on 21 August 2024, this 22 year old single malt from Bushmills was finished in Mizunara oak casks and released at 53.4 percent ABV as part of The Causeway Collection, in a French exclusive release limited to approximately 2,000 bottles.

This release sits at an interesting point of maturation. Over more than two decades in wood, the spirit has undergone steady chemical development as oxygen enters slowly through the cask. Alcohols and acids react to form larger, more stable flavour molecules that push the profile away from bright, fresh fermentation fruit toward deeper dried fruit and cooked fruit character, with alcohol transport beginning to support rather than dominate aromatic delivery. Evaporation through the staves concentrates remaining compounds while simultaneously smoothing volatility and alcoholic heat.

The choice of Mizunara oak as the finishing wood introduces a distinctive structural influence. Mizunara is a Japanese oak species that differs chemically from European and American oak, with higher levels of vanilloid compounds and unique lactones. These compounds tend to contribute complex spice and wood character that integrates with long-aged spirit in a layered way rather than overwhelming it with simple sweetness or tannic bite.

On the nose, the whiskey displays a mix of dried fruit and cooked fruit aromas, supported by notes of honey and gentle spice. The fruit character is rich but mature, leaning toward warmer, dark fruit impressions rather than sharp or fresh notes. Subtle citrus edges add lift without pulling the profile back toward high volatility.

The palate reflects this maturity. Honeyed sweetness, dried fruit and chocolate-like elements form a core, balanced by hints of citric lift and deeper wood spice. The elevated bottling strength helps maintain clarity and structure without turning rough or aggressive.