Drink
Bushmills Irish Whiskies
By Christine Sismondo
Bushmills Original
Although I’m currently in a monogamous relationship with bourbon, I do remember the early days when I occasionally had a nice shot of “Irish” to round out the evening. I think Irish whiskey was actually what drew me into brown liquor in the first place, and Bushmills Original is a good reminder of how I got led down the garden path.
The primary taste and smell is, frankly, mostly of alcohol. Then, a spicy kick removes most of the alcohol taste and it all finishes off fairly smooth and light. I almost detected the vanilla which was purported to be there. Like a starter marriage fondly remembered for its innocence and lack of complexity, it’s a nice, gentle introduction to the world of whiskey.
Three and a half stars out of five.
Black Bush
Our distiller guide informed us that the Black Bush was aged in sherry casks and had a “rich, full fruitcake aroma.” The sherry I can vouch for. The fruitcake, I couldn’t detect. That may, however, be a good thing.
The casks and the higher malt content definitely made a difference in this blended whiskey. Rather than being a gentle introduction, it’s more like that rebound relationship which follows and soothes the heartbreak of the first. It’s more memorable, a good diversion with a smoother mouth-feel, much darker colour and a good body.
I don’t know, maybe it’s the lack of smoke, maybe it’s the fact that I’ve long ago moved on from rebound guy to my true love, but there’s still something a little underwhelming about Black Bush. It’s finely crafted, no doubt, but it doesn’t capture the imagination.
Three and a half stars out of five.
Bushmills 1608
To commemorate the 400th anniversary of Bushmills’ license to distill (making it Ireland’s oldest working distillery) the folks have pulled out all the stops to make a distinctive blend of crystal malt whiskey, classic malt whiskey and aged Irish grain whiskey. Crystal malt is the term Bushmills uses for their process of roasting moist barleycorns, which is said to enhance the sweetness of the malt.
The process has definitely led to a smoother, richer, sweeter and more full-bodied version of Black Bush. Again, I’m supposed to taste toffee and chocolate here but I find those accents muted. I’ll admit, though, that it would make a very nice accompaniment to a nice bar of organic chocolate. The second sip improves this whiskey – substantially. A third might be even better.
Four stars out of five.
Bushmills 10-Year-Old Single Malt
If I were to be tempted and led astray by an Irish whiskey, it would be this one. No complaints about the distinct absence of smoke in this case, this is a truly sophisticated, crisp and clean whiskey. There’s almost no presence of oil and a distinct light fruit flavour, well-balanced with smooth vanilla.
It’s an elegant contender, even for somebody who generally prefers deep amber colours and overwhelming flavours in a whiskey. Although it’s not as complex and challenging as many Scottish single malts, it’s very refined and, certainly one of the better Irish whiskeys I’ve tasted.
Four stars out of five.
Learn more about all of the Bushmill products in our Library. Review, Rate them, and add them to your favorites!
Comments