Bushmills Black Bush is a popular blended Irish whiskey that offers a step up in complexity from standard Irish blends. This whiskey contains a high proportion of malt whiskey (around 80%) aged for 8-10 years in Oloroso sherry casks, blended with grain whiskey.
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About Bushmills Distillery
Bushmills is the world’s oldest licensed whiskey distillery, dating back to 1608. Located in County Antrim, Northern Ireland, the distillery is renowned for crafting award-winning triple-distilled single malt and blended Irish whiskeys. The unmatched Irish malt at the heart of all Bushmills whiskeys creates a signature combination of smoothness and richness.
Tasting Notes
Nose
The aroma of Bushmills Black Bush presents ripe banana, melon, and fruit salad notes. There’s a hint of white pepper, along with buttery creaminess, malt biscuits, and mild sherry influences of raisin and sweet cinnamon. Some reviewers also detect grape, citrus, and peppery notes.
Palate
The flavour profile of Bushmills Black Bush has been described as reminiscent of a cold “hot toddy” with notes of brown sugar, clove, lemon rind, and warming alcohol. The banana and melon notes from the nose carry through. Other tasters report vanilla, dried fruits, chamomile tea, and cinnamon stick flavours.
Finish
The finish of Bushmill Black Bush is generally considered short. Some find it becomes sour and bitter towards the end, while others note digestive biscuit, cooked plum, and orange oil flavours lingering.
Nose: Ripe banana, melon, fruit salad, white pepper, buttery creaminess, malt biscuits, mild sherry (raisin, sweet cinnamon). Some grape, citrus and peppery notes.
Palate: Cold “hot toddy” notes (brown sugar, clove, lemon rind, warming alcohol). Banana, melon from the nose. Vanilla, dried fruits, chamomile tea, cinnamon stick.
Finish: Generally short. Can be sour and bitter towards the end. Some find digestive biscuits, cooked plum, and orange oil flavours lingering.
Key Facts
- Style: Blended Irish Whiskey
- ABV: 40%
- Cask Type: Oloroso Sherry and Bourbon
- Age: 8-10 years for the malt component
- Distillery: The Old Bushmills Distillery
- Price Range: $24-30
Value and Versatility
At 40% ABV and typically priced around $24-30, Bushmills Black Bush represents good value for many drinkers. It’s an approachable and smooth Irish whiskey that offers more sherry influence and complexity than the standard Bushmills Original. This makes it a solid option for those looking to explore beyond entry-level Irish blends.
Black Bush is versatile enough to be enjoyed neat, on the rocks, or in cocktails like the Black Bush Highball or Black Bush Buck.
Recent Changes and Perceptions
Some long-time fans of Bushmills Black Bush have noted a perceived decline in quality in recent years, though the extent of this change is subjective and varies among drinkers. Despite this, it remains a popular choice among Irish whiskey fans.
Opinions on Bushmills Black Bush vary, but it is generally considered an approachable and smooth Irish whiskey that provides a step up in complexity from standard Irish blends.
Conclusion
Bushmills Black Bush is a well-rounded Irish whiskey that delivers good value and a smooth, flavorful profile. While it may not match the complexity of some single malts, it offers an enjoyable experience for both Irish whiskey fans and those exploring the category. Whether sipped neat or mixed in a cocktail, Bushmills Black Bush remains a solid choice.
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