Bushmills Black Bush Irish Whiskey

This renowned blended Irish whiskey originates from the village of Bushmills in County Antrim, Northern Ireland, produced at the historic Old Bushmills Distillery. Bushmills Black Bush Irish Whiskey is celebrated across the industry for breaking the traditional conventions of standard blended Irish whiskey: while typical commercial blends lean heavily on lighter column-still grain whiskey, Black Bush features an exceptionally high proportion—roughly 80%—of triple-distilled malted barley. The single malt component is aged for up to seven to eight years, matured predominantly in selected first-fill and second-fill Spanish Oloroso sherry casks, before being married with a small parcel of sweet, delicate grain whiskey aged in ex-bourbon barrels. It is bottled at 80 proof (40.0% ABV).

Spirit Description

This whiskey displays a radiant, deep copper-amber hue with dark golden reflections and smooth, coating tears along the glass. On the nose, it is notably rich, fruit-forward, and sweet, opening with concentrated notes of dark dried fruits, sultanas, prune compote, and baked apples, followed by layers of sweet toffee, vanilla fudge, toasted nuts, and seasoned Spanish oak spice. On the palate, the high-malt composition delivers an uncommonly silky, round, and creamy mouthfeel that far exceeds standard blended whiskeys in body. An initial wave of rich sherry sweetness, dark plums, and candied citrus peel gives way to rich mid-palate notes of milk chocolate, warm baking spices (nutmeg and cinnamon), and toasted hazelnuts, balanced by the light honeyed sweetness of the grain component. The finish is medium-to-long, warm, and lingering, leaving trailing impressions of dried dark fruits, sweet oak tannins, caramel, and a gentle spicy dryness.