Bushmills Whiskey

Name: WHISKY.MY
Price range: $$

Distilled at the world’s oldest licensed distillery, Bushmills Whiskey’s 400-year-old heritage is a testament to the Irish tradition of excellent craftsmanship. Renowned for its smooth, triple-distilled character and rich, complex flavours, Bushmills gains this unique profile from the 100% malted barley and pure River Bush water used as its ingredients. Each bottle embodies a legacy of quality and passion that is beloved by enthusiasts worldwide. Whether you prefer a classic blend or a distinguished single malt, Bushmills offers a taste of authentic Irish whiskey heritage in every sip.

What is the Bushmills story?

Founded in 1608 in County Antrim, Northern Ireland, the Old Bushmills Distillery is known as the oldest of its kind in the world. It was named after the mills that made the barley and the River Bush, which continues to supply its pure water. Over its long history, Bushmills has remained true to its roots.

Despite challenges – from the malted barley tax in the late 1700s to the devastating fire of 1885 – the distillery remained committed to crafting 100% malted barley whiskey. The mid-20th century saw Bushmills hitting international acclaim with appearances in classic films and memorable advertising campaigns. Today, Bushmills innovates with new labels while preserving its heritage, distilling some of the world’s finest single-malt Irish whiskies.

What kind of whiskey is Bushmills?

Bushmills is an Irish whiskey produced at a single distillery that can be single-malt or blended, depending on the label. Single malt Bushmills are made from 100% malted barley, while blended Bushmills are made from a combination of malted barley and grain whiskey.

Is Bushmills a malt?

Yes. Bushmills uses a mashbill made exclusively from malted barley.

How long is Bushmills aged?

Bushmills is usually aged for 4 years in a combination of Kentucky bourbon barrels and Spanish Oloroso sherry casks.

Bushmills labels

Here are the Bushmills labels available in Malaysia:

Bushmills Original: The Bushmills Original exclusively uses grain whiskey, slowly matured for a minimum of five years in American oak casks before blending with Irish Single Malt.
Bushmills 10 YO: The 10 Years Old has been the standard single malt release from Bushmills for many years and is drawn from triple-distilled malt that is aged in both bourbon and sherry casks.
Bushmills Black Bush Irish Whiskey: A bottle of a rich, dark Irish blend, Black Bush contains a high proportion of triple-distilled single malt, aged in Oloroso sherry casks for around eight to 10 years before marriage with the grain.

Tasting notes: What does Bushmills taste like?

Bushmills Whiskey is known for its smooth, approachable style, achieved through triple distillation and blending together single malt and grain whiskies. Each label offers its own unique characteristics:

Bushmills Original: A slightly petroly, slightly floral, vegetal aroma. Tangy, elderflower, a little coastal, and mineralic on the palate. A long, sweet barley finish with tangy notes of cardamom.
Bushmills 10 YO: Light, fruity and spicy aromas with hints of sweet cereal. The taste is of melted chocolate that rests on the tongue before releasing a hint of honey in your cheeks. The finish is crisp and clean and gently dies off.
Bushmills Black Bush: A distinctive, full-bodied aroma with spicy, malty and nutty sweet sherry notes. The flavour starts big and full, quickly becoming light with a hint of spicy fruit. Finishes with a lingering‚ smooth sweetness that flourishes into your cheeks.

What is the best Bushmills Whiskey for beginners?

If you’re a newcomer to the world of whiskey connoisseurs, we recommend that you start with the Bushmills 10 Years Old. It offers a refined yet approachable palate that’ll gently elevate your palate with just the right amount of sweetness.

Food pairings

Enhance your Bushmills drinking experience with these foods:

Sharp and aged Irish cheddar: The Black Bush’s fruity and spicy notes complement the cheese.
Beef, chicken, lamb, and pork: The refined, natural flavours of Bushmills pair well with most meats.
Fresh oysters: The salinity of the oysters complements the chocolate notes of the Bushmills 10-Year-Old.
Dried fruits: The deep, rich flavours and chewy texture of dried fruits like raisins, dates, and cranberries pair well with Irish whiskey.

How do you drink Bushmills?

Here are some ways you can enjoy your Bushmills:

Neat: Recommended for beginners, drinking Bushmills neat will allow you to appreciate its aromas and flavours.
On the rocks: Pouring or stirring Bushmills over ice will dilute its intensity, making it more approachable to those who prefer a gentler sip while still enjoying deeper and more complex flavours.
With a splash of water: Adding a few drops of water to your Bushmills whiskey can open up the subtler flavours and aromas.

What is good to mix with Bushmills whiskey?

Here are some cocktail recipes using different Bushmills labels you can try out for your next mixer:

Malbon Mule: Combining the Black Bush with ginger beer and lemon juice creates a sweet-and-sour mix perfect for a golf party.
Irish Highball: A refreshing take on a classic cocktail, this simple yet elegant drink combines the smooth taste of Bushmills Original with the crispness of club soda.
Oldest Fashioned: What happens when the oldest cocktail meets the oldest whiskey? This mixture of the Orignal, honey and orange bitter makes for a classic sip amongst enthusiasts.
Classic Irish Coffee: Adding Bushmills Original to your cup of coffee will create a drink that’s guaranteed to warm you up.