Bushmill's Black Bush Irish Whiskey Review & Tasting Notes

 

As we approach St. Patrick’s Day, it seems timely to explore some Irish whiskeys.

Bushmills is the oldest licensed distillery in Ireland. Old Bushmills Distillery was founded in 1608. It hasn't been a continuous run - it was shuttered and reopened a few times, and back in 1885, the distillery was destroyed by fire. But, they rebuilt and resumed operations and even survived Prohibition, a feat most other Irish distilleries failed to overcome. 

 

Bushmills has also changed hands several times. Founded by an Irish adventurer named Thomas Phillips, it didn't officially become Bushmills until 1784, when Hugh Anderson purchased it. It changed hands a few times, and then, in 1972, it was taken over by Irish Distillers, the holding company that controlled all Irish whiskey production. Then, in 1988, Pernod-Ricard took possession, sold it to Diageo in 2005, and traded it off to Jose Cuervo, its current owner, in 2014.

 

Today, I’m sipping on Black Bush. It is a blend of 80% malted barley and 20% grain whiskeys. The distillate aged in both ex-Bourbon casks and former Oloroso sherry butts. While there is no age statement, it is estimated to be seven years. It is bottled at 40% ABV (80°), and you can expect to spend $26.00 for a 750ml package.

“Bushmills BLACK BUSH Irish Whiskey combines an exceptionally high amount of malt whiskey married with a lighter grain whiskey, and then matured in former Oloroso Sherry and Bourbon casks. This unique recipe means BLACK BUSH has rich, fruity notes and a deep intense character, balanced by an incredibly unique smoothness. It’s best enjoyed neat, over ice, or in classic cocktails. The most seasoned of Irish whiskey drinkers know, you can’t beat BLACK BUSH.” - Bushmills

 

I’ve reviewed Red Bush and enjoyed it. I reviewed the Original White Label and didn’t enjoy that one. So, where will Black Bush fall on the Bottle, Bar, or Bust scale? The only way to know is to #DrinkCurious.

 

Appearance: Served neat in my Glencairn glass, Black Bush was the color of golden honey. It formed a thick rim which made even wider legs that crawled back to the pool.

 

Nose:  Raisin, apricot, honey, Red Delicious apple, and malt joined vanilla. As I drew the air past my lips, the apple became denser.

 

Palate: I found the mouthfeel to be soft with a medium-weighted body. On the front, I tasted vanilla, milk chocolate, and malt. Next, I experienced raisin, apricot, and caramel. Then, there were flavors of toasted oak, pear, and green grapes on the back.

 

Finish:  The duration was short-to-medium and relatively simple with pear, apricot, and vanilla. There was a hint of oak spice to boot.

 

Bottle, Bar, or Bust: For a $26.00 whiskey, Black Bush is well-priced and offers an easy-drinking experience. It was a bit on the thin side. I would have preferred to try this at four-to-six proof points higher; I believe the flavors would stand out. In the end, it was what it was. I’m somewhere between a Bar and Bottle, and when that happens, I score lower. As such, it takes a Bar rating. Cheers!

 

My Simple, Easy to Understand Rating System

• Bottle = Buy It
• Bar = Try It
• Bust = Leave It

 

Whiskeyfellow encourages you to enjoy your whiskey as you see fit but begs you do so responsibly.