Bushmills is one of the most well-known Irish whiskey brands, renowned for its smooth, approachable whiskeys. The Old Bushmills Distillery in County Antrim, Northern Ireland has produced whiskey since 1608, making it the world’s oldest licensed whiskey distillery.
I’ve always been curious about Bushmills, so I decided to dive in and try their core range. Here’s my take on Bushmills Original, Black Bush, 10-Year-Old, and 15-Year-Old expressions.
Bushmills Irish Whiskey: Table of Contents
Bushmills Original
Bushmills Original is the flagship expression and the foundation of the Bushmills family. It’s a blend of triple-distilled malt and Irish grain whiskey aged for around 5 years in ex-bourbon and ex-sherry casks[1].
Tasting Notes:
- Nose: Light tropical fruits, sweet corn, vanilla, honey, and a hint of chocolate
- Palate: Surprisingly flavorful with notes of caramel, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, strawberry and banana
- Finish: Crisp and clean with a subtle spiciness
This easy-drinking, versatile whiskey is great for sipping neat or mixing in cocktails. Very smooth with no harsh burn. A solid 4/10
Bushmills Black Bush
Black Bush has a higher proportion of malt whiskey (around 80%) compared to the Original, with a significant amount of the blend having been finished in Oloroso sherry casks[1][4].
Tasting Notes:
- Nose: Much more complex with aromas of blood orange, dried fruit, fruit cake, nuts and spice[1][4]
- Palate: Richer and full-bodied with a balance of sherry sweetness, roasted nuts and spice[1][4]
- Finish: Long, warming and nutty[4]
Black Bush showcases how sherry cask finishing adds complexity while maintaining the characteristic Bushmills smoothness. A step up from the Original at 6/10[1].
Bushmills 10 Year Old
The 10 Year Old single malt is triple distilled from 100% malted barley and matured for at least 10 years in ex-bourbon and ex-sherry casks.
Tasting Notes:
- Nose: Light and fruity with honeydew melon, roasted barley, and a hint of cheese rind[4]
- Palate: Sweet roasted grains, milk chocolate, honey and nutmeg spice, but a thinner mouthfeel[4]
- Finish: Lingering with nutty, honey and spice notes
A decent entry point to Irish single malts with Bushmills’ signature smoothness, but not mind-blowing. 5/10.
Bushmills 15 Year Old (reviewed in the original)
This limited edition single malt spends 15 years maturing in ex-bourbon barrels before being finished in both ex-oloroso sherry and ex-Marsala wine casks.
Tasting Notes:
- Nose: Complex with scents of toffee, leather, spice, dried fruit and nuts
- Palate: Rich with flavours of dark chocolate, cinnamon, dried fruit, sherry and nuttiness
- Finish: Extremely long, warm and dry with oak tannins, nuts and subtle sweetness
The extra ageing and dual wine cask finishing produce a refined, luxuriously smooth whiskey with remarkable depth. The pinnacle of the core Bushmills range at 9/10.
Bushmills Irish Whiskey: Summary
| Expression | Style | Aging | Taste Profile | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Original | Blend | 5 years | Light, fruity, vanilla | 4/10 |
| Black Bush | Malt Blend | Sherry Cask Finished | Spicy, nutty, sherried | 6/10 |
| 10 Year Old | Single Malt | 10+ years | Fruity, chocolate, spice | 5/10 |
| 15 Year Old | Single Malt | 15+ years | Rich, complex, refined | 9/10 |
In conclusion, the Bushmills range offers consistently smooth, approachable Irish whiskeys with something to suit most tastes and budgets. While not always the most complex or mind-blowing drams, their quality and drinkability make them a solid choice and a great entry point to Irish whiskey.
Bushmills Irish Whiskey FAQ’S
Is Bushmills better than Jameson?
It’s a matter of personal taste. Bushmills tends to be a bit lighter and fruitier, while Jameson has a spicier profile.
What’s the best way to drink Bushmills?
The Original works well in cocktails or with a splash of soda. Black Bush and the 10 Year Old are better sipped neat or with a drop of water.
Is Bushmills Catholic or Protestant?
This is an old myth. Bushmills is just a whiskey company, not affiliated with any religion. Enjoy it regardless of your beliefs!
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