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Everything you need to know about Bushmills Distillery
Most popular bottles from the distillery
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Bushmills Malt 10 Year Old Irish Whisky 2000s£49.99 Inc VAT -
Bushmills 10 Year Old Irish Whiskey 400th Anniversary£84.99 Inc VAT -
Bushmills Malt 10 Year Old Irish Whisky 100cl£45.93 Inc VAT -
Bushmills 10 Year Old Irish Whiskey£41.93 Inc VAT
A brief History
Bushmills, Ireland. Founded in 1608.
Bushmills Distillery: Irish Whiskey with Centuries Behind It
If you want to talk about heritage in Irish whiskey, Bushmills is always part of the conversation. Officially licensed in 1608, the Old Bushmills Distillery is often described as the oldest licensed whiskey distillery in the world. Whether you focus on the date or the uninterrupted production, what matters is this: Bushmills has been making whiskey on the north coast of County Antrim for a very long time.
The distillery sits close to the Giant’s Causeway, where Atlantic air rolls inland and weather shapes the mood of the place. Bushmills has always focused on triple-distilled Irish single malt and smooth blends, favouring fruit and softness over smoke. Unlike many Irish producers, Bushmills does not make pot still whiskey — it centres its style around malt and grain.
What I like about Bushmills is its clarity. The whiskies are clean, fruit-forward, and easy to understand. They don’t try to overwhelm you. For UK drinkers who enjoy smooth Irish whiskey with light sweetness and gentle oak, Bushmills is often the benchmark.
Taste Profile
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Fruity |
Sweet | Malty / Cereal |
Bushmills is known for a smooth, fruit-led Irish style, built around triple distillation and careful cask ageing.
Expect orchard fruit and honey on the nose, followed by soft vanilla and light malt. The finish is smooth and clean, with gentle oak rather than heavy spice.
Top 4 Flavour Profile Ingredients
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Vanilla |
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Malt / Biscuit / Toast |
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Honey |
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Apple / Pear |
Popular Bushmills Bottles
Bushmills produces both blends and single malts, with the malt range often getting the most attention from enthusiasts.
| Whiskey | Style | What You’ll Notice |
|---|---|---|
| Bushmills Original | Blended Irish Whiskey | Light fruit, honey, smooth finish |
| Bushmills Black Bush | Richer Blend | Sherry sweetness, fruit, soft spice |
| Bushmills 10 Year Old | Single Malt | Apple, vanilla, light oak |
| Bushmills 16 Year Old | Single Malt | Fruit, honey, deeper wood influence |
| Bushmills 21 Year Old | Single Malt | Rich fruit, polished oak, long finish |
The single malts show a deeper side of Bushmills, while the blends focus on balance and approachability.
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The Distillery
The Distiller: Bushmills Distillery
Address: 2 Distillery Road, Bushmills, County Antrim, BT57 8XH, Northern Ireland
 Open in maps |
 https://www.bushmills.eu/ |
 +44 (0)28 2073 3218 |
Visitor Centre & Opening Times
Yes — Bushmills has a visitor centre and is one of Northern Ireland’s most popular whiskey destinations.
What you can expect:
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Guided distillery tours
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Whiskey tastings
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Visitor shop and café
Typical Opening Times:
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Daily: Morning to late afternoon
Hours vary seasonally, so it’s worth checking ahead if you’re planning a visit.
Ownership & Distillery History
Bushmills has changed hands over the centuries but has remained a key name in Irish whiskey.
Ownership Timeline:
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1608: Royal licence granted in the region
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1784: Old Bushmills Distillery formally established
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Various 19th–20th Century Owners
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Current Owner: Proximo Spirits
Despite ownership changes, Bushmills has maintained its core style: triple-distilled, fruit-led, and smooth.
Distillery Facts
Bushmills – Key Facts
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Distillery: Old Bushmills Distillery
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Location: Bushmills, County Antrim, Northern Ireland
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Type: Irish whiskey producer
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Founded: 1608 (granted licence) — one of the oldest licensed distilleries in the world
Background
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Whiskey has been legally distilled on the site for over 400 years.
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The distillery sits near the Giants Causeway and draws water from nearby local springs.
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It has operated under various owners over centuries.
Production Style
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Bushmills uses pot stills and column stills depending on the expression.
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Whiskey is generally triple distilled (especially in blends and many single malts), contributing to smoothness.
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Matured in oak casks — commonly ex-bourbon and ex-sherry barrels.
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Irish whiskey regulations require a minimum three years’ maturation.
Core Expressions and Types
Bushmills produces several major categories of Irish whiskey:
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Original / Black Bush (blend):
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A blend of malt and grain whiskies.
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Black Bush has a higher percentage of malt whiskies and significant sherry cask influence.
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Single Malt Expressions:
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10 Year Old: Classic entry level with balanced malt, fruit, and oak.
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12 Year Old: A step up in depth and cask influence.
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16 Year Old: Mature, rich profile with layered complexity.
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21 Year Old: Older, more refined single malt.
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Single Grain and Special Releases:
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Occasionally produced or limited editions focusing on unique casks or finishes.
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Style and Character
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Generally smooth, approachable, and balanced:
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Fruitiness (apple, pear, citrus peel)
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Honey and vanilla sweetness
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Oak spice and toasted notes
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Some expressions display sherry influence (dried fruit, nuts, gentle tannin)
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Reputation
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One of the most widely recognised Irish whiskey brands globally.
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Known for quality, consistency, and accessibility across a range of styles.
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Popular with both new whiskey drinkers and experienced enthusiasts.
Bushmills Whisky to Buy
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