Bushmills has unveiled its oldest and rarest whiskey to date in Europe with the release of the Bushmills Hill Street Edition, a 36-year-old single malt crafted exclusively for Belfast whiskey shop The Friend at Hand. Just 208 bottles of this limited-edition Irish whiskey have been produced, making it a true collector’s item for aficionados and fans of the historic brand.

The release marks a milestone moment for the Old Bushmills Distillery, paying tribute to the brand’s Belfast heritage. Once the site of Bushmills' headquarters, Hill Street is now home to The Friend at Hand, which will serve as the sole retailer of this highly anticipated expression.

A tribute to Belfast’s whiskey heritage

Distilled in 1986 and recasked in a sherry hogshead in March 2001, the Bushmills Hill Street Edition has been matured exclusively in sherry wood. Drawn from the final remaining stock of Bushmills Single Malt distilled in that year, the expression offers a rare glimpse into the distillery’s past, embodying nearly four decades of craftsmanship and patience.

Bushmills Master Blender Alex Thomas described the release as a “once in a lifetime whiskey.” She remarked, “In every bottle of Bushmills, we honour our past and the immense passion and patience required to craft the world’s most exclusive single malts. It is my privilege to bring this exceptional whiskey back to Belfast, to the site of Bushmills’ former HQ on Hill Street, in what is a milestone moment for the brand.”

Rare craftsmanship in a limited release

Bottled at 48% ABV, the Bushmills Hill Street Edition reflects both the age and care that has gone into its creation. Each bottle tells a story of meticulous maturation and carries the legacy of Irish whiskey production that stretches back centuries.

Priced at £5,000 for a 700ml bottle, this release sits firmly in the ultra-premium whiskey category. With only 208 bottles available, the Hill Street Edition is expected to be in high demand among collectors and whiskey enthusiasts.

The exclusivity of this release is not only in the liquid itself but also in the location. The Friend at Hand’s connection to Bushmills is deeply rooted in history, with the shop housing one of the most comprehensive collections of Bushmills memorabilia, including date-stamped handwritten letters from the original Hill Street headquarters.

A celebration of shared legacy

Willie Jack, proprietor of The Friend at Hand, emphasized the cultural significance of the release, saying: “Belfast’s proud industrial past and rich whiskey heritage paved the way for a craft that, centuries later, continues to stand the test of time. We are proud to partner with Bushmills on this exceptional, 36-year-old whiskey, which pays homage to the hard-working people of Hill Street.”

Jack added that the collaboration between Bushmills and his shop is more than just a business venture—it is a celebration of a shared heritage. “It’s fitting that our shared heritage and spirit of collaboration are commemorated in this special release,” he noted. “With just 208 bottles available, it’s sure to be in high demand.”

Looking ahead

As Bushmills continues to evolve its premium portfolio, the Hill Street Edition serves as a reminder of its longstanding roots and enduring dedication to quality. With its deep historical connection, rare maturation, and exclusive availability, the Bushmills Hill Street Edition is poised to become a landmark release in the world of Irish whiskey.

Collectors and enthusiasts can purchase the 36-Year-Old single malt directly from The Friend at Hand in Belfast, where this homage to Irish craftsmanship is now available for £5,000 per bottle.