Bushmills whiskies

History

The distillery was registered as a company at the end of the 18th century, although the area had a long distilling tradition. In the 19th century it suffered a fire and was rebuilt, and in the 20th century it survived the crisis that finished off almost every Irish distillery. For decades it was part of Irish Distillers, the group that brought together the remaining producers, and then passed through Diageo, until Jose Cuervo bought it in 2015. Bushmills was for a long time the main malt distillery on the island, and today it is expanding its production.

House style

Bushmills’ hallmark is triple-distilled malt, which gives light, smooth and fruity whiskeys, with notes of apple, honey, vanilla and cereal. Its blends combine that malt with grain whiskey and are especially easy. The sherried versions, such as Black Bush, add dried fruit and spice. It uses no peat, and the result is a clean, friendly whiskey with a medium finish. It is a style that works very well for beginners and also in classic Irish whiskey cocktails.

Where to start

Bushmills Original is the entry blend, light and easy. Black Bush has much more malt and matures in sherry casks, so it gains body and sweetness. If you want to get to know the house malt, the 10-year-old Single Malt is the best option: smooth, fruity and honeyed. Trying all three in a row shows how the house changes as the share of malt rises.

• Bushmills OriginalBlend · 40% ABV
• Bushmills Black BushBlend · 40% ABV
• Bushmills 10 Year Old Single MaltSingle malt · 40% ABV