The following article was produced in partnership with Bushmills.
As a Londoner and whiskey lover, it pains me to admit that I’ve never had the chance to visit Ireland, the birthplace of smooth single malt whiskey. So, when the opportunity to head from Sydney to experience the Old Bushmills Distillery, it certainly didn’t take me long to pack my bags.
Founded in 1608, Bushmills Irish Whiskey has an enduring title of the world’s oldest licensed whiskey distillery; a reputation of unbroken tradition, maintained for over four centuries, using time-honed methods to produce smooth, triple-distilled single malt whiskey that is enjoyed across the globe.
In this unique corner of Northern Ireland, Bushmills Irish Whiskey finds its home amid the rugged beauty of the Antrim coast, where the famous basalt columns of the Giant’s Causeway inspire the distillery’s most incredible drops. Its picturesque location, just a few steps from the pure, cool water that flows through the River Bush, to which this esteemed town owes its name, has continued to shape and inspire each generation of distillers who have shared custody of this historic site.
Bushmills: The World’s Oldest Licensed Whiskey Distillery
Here, nothing is rushed. This landscape, shaped over millennia, echoes through every drop of Bushmills whiskey. From the smooth, honeyed notes of Bushmills 10-Year-Old single malt to the critically acclaimed Causeway Collection, Bushmills Irish Whiskey uses nothing but 100% malted barley for an unmistakably smooth, more approachable and refined expression that has become synonymous with Irish whiskey.
“We’ve been here for 400 years and don’t plan on leaving soon.”
Alex Thomas, Bushmills Master Blender
After arriving at the Old Bushmills Distillery, we were greeted by Bushmills Master Blender Alex Thomas, who took us beneath the old foundations of this historic site.
Years ago, the room we found ourselves in would have been alive with activity, roasting the 100% malted barley that goes into every drop of Bushmills’ iconic drams. Now, of course, with the brand’s new state-of-the-art Causeway distillery just a stone’s throw away, this room served as the perfect location to tell the unique story of Bushmills, which went down as smoothly as their iconic single malts.
From Smooth Single Malts to Bold Innovation
Our tasting began with the Bushmills 10-Year-Old, a beautiful approachable single malt that set the stage for the afternoon. With its inviting golden honey colour, the 10-Year-Old boasts a delicate, sweet aroma of fresh apples, honey, and vanilla; attributes that have become synonymous with Bushmills Irish Whiskey and this iconic release.
On the palate, the 10-Year-Old unfolds with smooth and light flavours of ripe fruit and milk chocolate. This is Bushmills Irish Whiskey in its purest, most classic form – a perfect introduction to the world of single malts and the essence of the distillery.
“It’s the quality in every drop and every pour that makes us unique. Unrushed perfection is how we refer to it.”
Alex Thomas, Bushmills Master Blender
Next up, we delved into the Causeway Collection, a renowned limited-edition series that mirrors the more experimental side of Bushmills Irish Whiskey since 2020.
Named after the spectacular Giant’s Causeway, a UNESCO World Heritage site that continues to guide and inspire each generation of Bushmills’ artisan distillers, these limited releases each have unique ageing processes that bring out new, surprising layers of complexity.
The first sip of the Causeway Collection was a transportive experience; a taste of the rare and unconventional. Each expression revealed a richer, spicier character not often associated with Irish whiskey. But this release, with its burnished amber hue, carried aromas of spiced orange and dried fruits; a palate brimming with rich toffee, baking spices, and a whisper of oak.
“Maturation is where the fun happens for me – you take a raw spirit and you transform it into something golden, something rich, with bold red colours, by using casks,” Alex Thomas told DMARGE.
“So, it’s my job to make sure I search the world to find quality casks and having those relationships that we have with Coopers and wineries for many, many years allows me to pick the best quality casks.”
Alex Thomas, Bushmills Master Blender
Why Bushmills Whiskey Makes the Perfect Christmas Gift
The Causeway Collection illustrates the breadth of innovation behind Bushmills’ portfolio, with Alex Thomas at the heart of every release that leaves Old Bushmills Distillery.
From their core single malt range, through to The Causeway Collection, Bushmills Single Malt Irish Whiskey presents something special for whiskey lovers at every level; each bottle tells a story of heritage, craftsmanship, and passion. And in a season filled with gifting opportunities, the timing could not be more perfect.
Bushmills 10-Year-Old embodies the values of this revered whiskey distillery; a quintessential Irish expression that stands tall as the pioneer of smooth, approachable single malt, anywhere in the world. Whether enjoyed neat, on the rocks, or in a classic cocktail, Bushmills 10-Year-Old Single Malt is the perfect gift this Christmas, available to buy at all good bottle shops.
