Black Bush Stories Returns with a Virtual Whiskey & Coffee Masterclass
Bushmills Irish Whiskey in Northern Ireland has announced the highly anticipated return of Black Bush Stories for 2022 with an exciting first collaboration to mark International Irish Whiskey Day on the 3rd March – a virtual masterclass with Belfast coffee trailblazers, Established Coffee.
The event is part of the long running Black Bush Stories series which celebrates the synergies of craft between Bushmills and other local Irish business across the island while providing an opportunity for guests to discover a new interest or skill.
The virtual event will give attendees from Derry to Kerry and Galway to Dublin the chance to immersive themselves in an evening of whiskey, coffee and cocktails from the comfort of their homes. Guided by experts from Bushmills and Established Coffee, they will discover, create, and of course, taste, a variety of bespoke Black Bush and coffee inspired serves featuring a specially curated, limited edition, Black Bush blended coffee in the starring role.
One of most iconic coffee houses in Northern Ireland, Established Coffee was founded by Mark Ashbridge and Bridgeen Barbour, vanguards of the coffee revolution in Ireland. They channelled their passion, curiosity and quest to create unique coffee products into Established Coffee, founding a café and roastery in the heart of Belfast in 2013. Now, in partnership with Bushmills Irish Whiskey, Mark has created an exclusive coffee blend using beans that have been finished in bourbon and sherry barrels from the Old Bushmills Distillery to create a blend with the rich and fruity notes so familiar with Black Bush.
Commenting on the collaboration, Mark Ashbridge, founder of Established Coffee, said: “There’s a clear connection in the work we do as roasters and what Bushmills do as distillers. That pursuit of perfection. It’s what made this collaboration with Bushmills very appealing to us. At Established we’re always pushing ourselves to innovate, learn and evolve so it was an exciting challenge to create a Bushmills coffee blend from their Olorosso Sherry Cask and Bourbon Barrels. The goal was to create a coffee that can stand alone but one that when mixed with Black Bush, could also create delicious cocktails.
“After intensive research, testing and development, we’ve created a beautiful coffee with soft fruit notes of apple and plum, whilst maintaining a rich, syrupy body with undertones of chocolate and vanilla. We are thrilled to be involved in this project and are really excited for everyone to try the coffee and the cocktails at our first virtual event in March.”
The event - a celebration of the kindred spirits in the master roaster and the master distiller - is a must attend for any coffee or whiskey lover. Hosted by Bushmills brand ambassador Lauren McMullan, the panel of experts will take participants on a journey of discovery, delving into the world of maturation as Mark reveals the unique process – and learning curve – for creating the special Black Bush Blend. Guests will learn about the supreme craftsmanship that goes into whiskey and coffee alike, before master mixologist, Chris Pawar, hosts an interactive cocktail masterclass.
The first Bushmills Black Bush x Established Coffee event will take place virtually at 7pm on Thursday the 3rd March 2022. Tickets cost £9/ €10 and include an event kit worth £40 / €45 with the tools needed to take part as well as the link to the live workshop. Tickets are limited so for more information and to purchase yours today visit blackbushstories.com.
Inspired by the craftsmanship, passion and care that goes into every bottle of Bushmills Black Bush, Black Bush Stories celebrates the stories and talents of extraordinary Irish individuals who have challenged traditional thinking in their respective fields. Black Bush x Established Coffee is the first in a series of immersive collaborator events planned for 2022.