THE SECOND IN BUSHMILLS’ SERIES OF EXCITING CASK FINISH PRODUCTS FROM THE WORLD’S OLDEST LICENSED WHISKEY DISTILLERY

·         Bushmills^® American Oak Cask Finish will be available for purchase from 4^th  August via select online and in-store retailers

·         The second release in this series of exciting innovations, the American Oak Cask Finish offers a new and unique flavour variation on Bushmills^® Original Irish Whiskey

Bushmills^® Irish Whiskey has announced the release of the American Oak Cask Finish, the second in a series of exciting and innovative whiskeys from the new Bushmills^® Original Cask Finish range.

Inspired by a partnership spanning decades between Bushmills and legendary barrel makers Kelvin Cooperage, the American Oak Cask Finish celebrates the amalgamation of two of the world’s great whiskey-making capitals, Bushmills and Louisville, Kentucky. In 2008, Louisville, the home of Kelvin Cooperage, was twinned with the village of Bushmills during celebrations marking Bushmills 400^th anniversary, further strengthening the ties between these two areas steeped in whiskey heritage.

The American Oak Cask Finish features the award-winning single malt used in Bushmills^® Original Irish Whiskey, finished in double-charred American Oak barrels. It is then blended with the brand’s signature triple distilled Irish grain whiskey, giving it an extra smooth character with fresh wood and sweet vanilla notes.

Small batches of the finest American Oak barrels are hand-selected at Kelvin Cooperage and double-charred for Bushmills, giving these casks unique properties ideal for whiskey maturation. Bushmills single malt then ages in these casks, resulting in a deeper interaction between the whiskey and the oak, delivering the superior flavour profile achieved in this cask finish expression.

Paul McLaughlin, President, Kelvin Cooperage, said: “Our relationship with the team at The Old Bushmills Distillery began over 30 years ago. Over the course of three decades, we have worked closely in a continuous process of mutual learning and collaboration. ‘

“At Kelvin Cooperage, we have remained true to time-tested traditional techniques, handcrafting and charring each cask, ensuring that The Old Bushmills Distillery only receives the finest American oak casks for this release. The double-charring process has a substantial impact on the flavour profile the cask imparts on the whiskey, which is what makes this American Oak Cask Finish product truly special.”

“We are thrilled to be involved in this project and look forward to Bushmills fans having the opportunity to enjoy this exceptional whiskey.”

Colum Egan, Bushmills Master Distiller, said: “The Cask Finish range is an exciting and innovative move for Bushmills Irish Whiskey. The series offers discerning whiskey drinkers an accessible introduction to the unique casks ageing the exquisite whiskey we have here at The Old Bushmills Distillery. The American Oak Cask finish is the result of our long-standing relationship with Paul and his team at Kelvin Cooperage, world-renowned for producing the finest American casks.  We are immensely proud of our new Cask Finish range and are excited to bring our latest innovation to whiskey fans across the globe.”

The Bushmills American Oak Cask Finish is bottled at 40% ABV and priced at €30 / £24 for 700ml.

This summer, from 21st to 22nd August, discover over 30 high quality local producers and food vendors with a wide range of local produce, including honey! All in the beautiful and historic surroundings of Hillsborough Castle and Gardens for a day of guided walks, demonstrations, family activities and live music.

Expert demonstrations and guided walks

• Discover more about bees, honey, bee-friendly plants and food. Located in the stretch tent on the West Lawn, beekeeping expert Gwen Earnshaw will share fascinating insight into looking after our very own Hillsborough hives and bees!
• Both the Dromore and Killinchy Beekeepers Associations will be answering all bee related questions, including how to get started in keeping bees and showcasing sample produce.
• Our expert Hillsborough Castle Gardens team will take short guided walks around the Walled garden with lots of tips on how to make your garden bee friendly! Talks last approximately 30 minutes and take place every hour
• Dermot Hugues from Forage Ireland will lead a group of up to 20 round the gardens, identifying edible plants, and what they can be used for. Walks last approximately 2 hours and take place twice a day

Family activities

Waggle Dance with Leonie Pony. Fun activity for all the family, learn a few simple dance moves with Leonie Pony and Waggle Dance like a Bee!

Live music Saturday

ARCO String Quartet – playing classical favourites, easy listening gems, jazz classics and pop covers and arrangements.

Unholy Gospel Band – five piece band playing across the genres of folk, blues, soul and country music. Featuring songs by Mahalia Jackson, the Staple Singers, Jackie Wilson and much more.

Live Music Sunday 

The 77’s – two piece, energetic arrangements of popular classics

Manukahunney Blue – four piece band led by Siobhan playing everything from James Brown and Sam Cooke to Joni Mitchell, Jill Scott and Roy Ayers.

Talks are all socially distanced. Households and bubbles will be seated in clearly marked and socially distanced seating squares within the talks/performance area.  

Local producers and food vendors

The following local food producers and vendors selling their high quality produce:

• Irish Black Butter
• Hellbent
• Noisy Snacks
• Crawfords Rock
• Ballylisk Dairies
• Cavanagh Eggs
• Buchas dog
• Morrow Foods
• Brownie Barn
• Olive Tree Bakes
• Papas Minerals
• Dundarave Estate
• Erin Grove Preserves
• Fluffy Meringues
• Mrs Smyth’s Preserves
• Ke NaKo Biltong
• Symphonia Spirits 
• Armagh Cider Company
• North Down Beef Company
• Hovis
• Italygnam
• Bara Bake House
• Thermomix

Art and Non Food

• Gillian Boyd Art
• Lauren Fowler, wood worker
• Don’t forget the dog! Dog accessories

Book your tickets HERE

Wild Atlantic Distillery is an Award Winning Whiskey, Gin and Vodka Distillery based in Co Tyrone and draws its inspiration from Ireland’s stunning coastline and the Wild Atlantic Way. The distillery is located on the outskirts of Aghyaran – close to the Sperrin Mountains – and only 15 miles from Donegal’s Wild Atlantic Way.                       

Distillery Tour & Tastings

Meet the people behind Ireland’s newest distillery in a fun and friendly environment just 15 miles from the Wild Atlantic Way. 

Brian and Jim at Wild Atlantic Distillery are passionate about maintaining the long history of independent, traditional and craft distilleries in Ireland and particularly in Co. Tyrone where they are based. 

Enjoy a complimentary drink on arrival while taking the opportunity to learn how we make our exciting Wild Atlantic Irish Gin and Wild Atlantic Irish Vodka and let us introduce you to the equipment that makes it all possible.

This year 2021, we are proud to announce that we will begin making Irish Whiskey once again in Co Tyrone after an absence of almost 200 years, the world’s most sought after whiskey. Wild Atlantic Distillery are proud to be part of the new wave of independent, traditional and craft distilleries blossoming in Ireland.

£45 Per Person (Includes a complimentary bottle of award winning Wild Atlantic Irish                                           Gin or Vodka)

Minimum Group Size: 6

Maximum Group Size: 30

Wild Atlantic Distillery Cocktail Class

Spend an exciting afternoon or evening enjoying a unique cocktail class at Ireland’s newest distillery, Wild Atlantic Distillery. On arrival, you will be welcomed to the class with our famous Wild Atlantic Irish Gin Bramble.

Learn the secrets of cocktail mixology before finding out what inspired a classic cocktail and one of our own signature cocktails and getting behind the bar to make them both. 

As part of the class you will also enjoy a delicious light lunch of local food including artisan breads, local cheeses, and charcuterie as you enjoy your own cocktail in stylish surroundings.   

£95 Per Person

Minimum Group Size: 5

Maximum Group Size: 12

The Ultimate Gin School Experience 

Craft your own spirit under the expert guidance of the master distillers at Wild Atlantic Distillery. Discover what makes Ireland’s newest gin experience so unique as you learn about the origins of the botanicals including kelp and dillisk, that are harvested from the wild Atlantic Ocean.

Be surprised by the unexpected as your hosts Brian and Jimtell you stories of innovative distillation methods that are rooted in tradition and discover how they have been inspired by the people and the landscape of this place to create something extraordinary.  

Have your sense enlivened by the elements as you smell, taste, and touch a range of botanicals that will inspire your own spirit.  Enjoy the views of the rolling countryside as you work with your individual copper still to produce your personalised bottle to take home.  Enjoy a light lunch of local food including artisan breads, local cheeses, and charcuterie as you enjoy a gin and tonic in stylish surroundings.   

Get hands on as you fill your bottle and personalise your creation by naming and labelling your spirit as you take home, a new gin made with your own hands that can’t be replicated anywhere else. 

£95 Per Person

Minimum Group Size: 5

Maximum Group Size: 10

Contact Information:

 jim@wildatlanticdistillery.ie or 028 9600 2525 / 00447517103239

Tom and Ollie, the producer of handcrafted Mediterranean foods in Belfast, has won business to supply their Oi Mezze range exclusively to Henderson Wholesale in Northern Ireland.

The successful artisan food producer is to supply eightlines to Henderson including Mezze Pitted Green Olives; Mezze Garlic Stuffed Olives; Mezze House Mix; Mezze Marinated Slow Roasted Cherry Tomatoes; Mezze Black Olive Tapenade; and Mezze Creamy Classic Hummus. All the eight lines are handcrafted from Mediterranean ingredients at the company’s processing plant near Dunmurry.

The latest listing for Tom and Ollie is part of an ongoing focus by Henderson Group on local artisan producers. The wholesaler’s support for local artisans is designed to help to accelerate the growth and experience of one of the most dynamic sectors of the food and drink industry over the past decade. Benefiting from the strength of this commitment by Northern Ireland’s largest and most successful food wholesale/retail operations are producers of meats including bacon, ice cream, breads, vegetables, snacks, sauces and free-range eggs.

The listing by Henderson for Tom and Ollie is the first substantial business from the leading local food wholesaler for the small company, a popular participant at food shows and farmers’ markets across Northern Ireland for many years and also one of the firstbusinesses to set up following the re-opening of the iconic St George’s Market in Belfast in 1997. It continues to be a key trader at the Victorian market.

Shay Mullan, one of the founding directors of Tom and Ollie in 2000, says: “We are delighted to have our Oi Mezze products listed exclusively with Henderson Wholesale and their SPAR, EUROSPAR, ViVO and VIVOXTRA stores in Northern Ireland because of the opportunity that this provides to reach such an impressive and widespread customer base here.

“We will be doing everything we can to maximise the tremendous business opportunity that this listing by Henderson presents,” he adds.

Neal Kelly, Fresh Food Director at Henderson Group,continues: “We are delighted to be able to offer the range of Oi Mezze products to our retailers and shoppers across in Northern Ireland. 

“Providing market leading products is what sets our stores and supermarkets apart in a busy marketplace, and we will continue to set the example by sourcing from our fresh, local suppliers first and foremost,” adds Mr Kelly.

Tom and Ollie recently announced an investment of around £300,000 in opening a new production facility at Poleglass, expanding its online presence and retail division, and in creating nine new jobs.

The food manufacturer and retailer secured funding support through Whiterock Finance’s Growth Loan Fund II, which provides loans to Northern Ireland small and medium enterprises of between £100,000 and £1.5 million. Whiterock is part funded by business development agency Invest Northern Ireland.

Tom and Ollie specialises in handcrafted Mediterranean deli foods with over 65 lines made in-house including hummus, pesto, tapenades, harissa paste and a variety of marinated olives and peppers, all made without preservatives and offering an authentic Mediterranean taste.

The ambitious company also includes a wide range of produce from other local artisan enterprises in its marketing activities across Northern Ireland. In addition to participation in markets here, Tom and Ollie takes part in several food events every week in Dublin and other centres in the Republic of Ireland.

The funding from Whiterock enabled the company to develop its website and add an online delivery service to its offering, with over 300 products now available for next day delivery across Ireland.

Tom and Ollie sources Mediterranean deli foods such as an extensive range of olives from carefully selected growers and suppliers across Europe, Turkey and North Africa.

The business with the respected food wholesaler is for a wide range of retail products created and packaged from much of the fresh produce the company features on its market stalls, making the company an excellent example of a local enterprise which has diversified successfully from a market trader into a developer and successful marketer of retail packs.

The artisan business has a full retail range of Mediterranean foods which is also available across the Island in a number of local shops, farm shops and specialist retailers. 

Henderson Wholesale is part of the Henderson Group, alocal family owned business consisting of four companies under the Henderson name – Henderson Wholesale, Henderson Retail, Henderson Group Property and Henderson Foodservice. 

Henderson began in the retail grocery business back in 1897 selling butter, cheese, and eggs at premises in the Old Lodge Road in Belfast. 

The wholesale supplies over 400 SPAR, EUROSPAR, VIVO, VIVOXTRA & VIVO Essentials stores across Northern Ireland. Henderson Retail owns and operates over 75 successful SPAR & EUROSPAR stores here.