Bushmills holds the oldest distillery license in the world and this dates back to 1608. The distillery is named after the town of Bushmills in which it is located and lies close to the northern County Antrim coast in Northern Ireland, just two miles from the famous Giant’s Causeway. In addition to being the oldest licensed distillery in Ireland and the world, Bushmills also has the longest continually used logo. In 1784, the pot still logo was introduced in order to celebrate the formal registration of the distillery and this is still in use today.
Bushmills’ whiskeys are triple distilled in the traditional Irish way and the core range is a mixture of single malts and blends – this 21 Years Old joins other single malts aged for 10-, 14-, 16-, 25- and 30 years. The Original and Black Bush are the mainstays of the blended range. These are often joined by special limited releases, such as The Causeway Collection.
The 21 Years Old is an annual bottling, which was first released in 2001. It has initially matured for 19 years in a combination of ex-bourbon casks and ex-Oloroso sherry butts, before being transferred for a two year finish in ex-Madeira casks. The whiskey is released in limited batches and has become somewhat of an Irish whiskey icon. Each bottle numbered. It is bottled at 40% ABV and is available in specialist whisky retailers worldwide. A bottle should cost £215.
Our Tasting Notes
The colour is bright gold and the nose is fresh and fruity. Aromas of dried fruits are present (think of raisin and sultana), plus fresh ripe apricot. These are backed by distinct malty cereal notes, toffee and caramel, and some toasted almonds in the background. A hint of baking spices (especially cinnamon and nutmeg), fresh pineapple and bubblegum add intrigue.
On the palate, this whiskey feels incredibly soft, luscious and juicy. Ripe peach and pineapple flesh lead the way and lend a distinct, almost sugary, sweetness (think of toffee and caramel again). Plenty of malted cereals notes add structure and is biscuit-like. Then come some of the other characteristics from the nose – the dried fruits (especially plump sugary sultana), toasted almonds and woody baking spices. Some further nuttiness adds depth – imagine creamy hazelnut and macadamia. Hints of dark chocolate, crystalised cherry, dried papaya develop towards the end, as do further notes of dessicated coconut and manuka honey.
The finish is again initially sweet, then spicy. The chocolate note comes through more prominently, as does the juicy tropical fruits, before becoming incredibly spicy and drier – think of those baking spices again (cinnamon and nutmeg) plus a hint of clove.
What’s The Verdict?
This Bushmills offers a lovely dram of whiskey that gives a good mix of sweetness and spices. The aromas on the nose and flavours that come through on the palate are particularly good, with an interesting and enjoyable complexity. The finish is delicious and exhibits classic old Irish whiskey characteristics, although it may be too spicy for some. Overall, this version of the 21 Years Old is a deliciously rich and pleasant whiskey that is well worth trying, if you get the chance.
