Bushmills 21 Year Old Single Malt Irish Whiskey Review

let’s begin

Brought out after the popularity of a small batch release in 2016, this Bushmills 21 Year Old is an excellent dram seeking to excite new interest in the Bushmills brand.

The Brand

Bushmills has been established since 1608, making it the world’s oldest licensed distillery. They are currently owned by Jose Cuervo, who bought the distillery from Diageo in 2014.

They are one of the few Irish Whiskey brands that have remained in production over the last century or so, with many shutting down. At one point it was one of only a handful of Irish brands, whereas today, new competitors are arriving all the time.

They recently brought out a 16 Year Old and a 21 Year Old as part of their core range, introducing the new drams right as the brand really starts to take off. These expressions are expected to bring in new fans of the distillery, from both old and new Whiskey drinkers alike.

Tasting notes for the Bushmills 21 Year Old Single Malt Irish Whiskey

Bottle cost: £182

Similar to the 16 Year Old that was brought out at the same time, this malt has been matured in ex-Bourbon and Oloroso Sherry casks.

It was allowed 19 years in these before it was left to marry for two years in Madeira Wine casks. This introduces a lot of sweet flavours to the dram.

The nose opens with vanilla and oak wood, with a hint of cinnamon spice in the background. There is also a gentle bitterness of dark chocolate and coffee in the background.

This goes well with the slightly fruity note also present. It is brimming with raisins, peaches and bananas.

The palate is rich and creamy, with a really smooth mouth feel. The oak wood is intense and delicious, helping to bring out the sweeter, more caramel notes of the vanilla.

Sweet nuts and juicy, tangy fruits abound on the palate. There are lots of pecans, mangoes, oranges and lemons.

The finish is strong, with lots of oak wood and coffee notes.

A fantastic offering from Bushmills, doing their 400 year old legacy proud, it is sure to welcome new fans and please old ones!

What are your thoughts on the Busmills 21 Year Old? Leave a comment below and let’s have a chat!

Tags: BushmillsBushmills 21 Year OldBushmills brandDiageoJose Cuervo

Greg

My name is Greg, and I’m a brand strategy consultant, writer, speaker, host and judge specialising in premium spirits. My mission is to experience, share and inspire with everything great about whisky, whiskey, gin, beer and fine dining through my writing, my brand building and my whisky tastings.