Named for the mills that produced the barley on the River Bush, the first Bushmills distillery dates back to the 1780s. However, a Royal License was granted to a local landowner to distil whiskey in 1608 – thus legitimizing its claim to be the oldest legal distillery in the world. When Irish Distillers bought the distillery in 1972, it meant they controlled all the Irish whiskey production at that time.
Bushmills Single Malt Whiskey 16 year old is truly one of the great whiskeys of the world. Aged for about 15 years in a combination of Oloroso Sherry and bourbon-seasoned casks, and then finished for about 9 months in port wine pipes (large barrels unique to making port wine).
Nose: Tropical fruits, mango, pineapple, vanilla, some herbs, honeydew, cereals, leafy notes, hints of green fruit.
Palate: Oily, creamy, fruity, sweetness, vanilla, tropical fruits, spices and honey.
Finish: Medium long, warm, fruity and spicy.