Bushmills 16 vs Bushmills 21: Irish Whiskey Comparison

Last Updated on: 9th April 2024, 01:14 am

J Highland

J Highland is a certified sommelier with 30 years in the liquor industry, owning a pub, a liquor store, and moonlighting as a spirits distiller.

Explore the distinctions between Bushmills 16 and Bushmills 21 in this comprehensive comparison, and determine which Whiskey suits your preferences best!

Quick Note: Running a pub and liquor store provides me ample access to various spirits, in addition, I moonlight as a spirits distiller. I assess them using customer feedback, expert opinions and online research.

Written by: J Highland

Bushmills 16 vs Bushmills 21: Comparison

Bushmills 16: Fruity nose with apple, pear, port wine. Palate has apricot, peach, port wine, oak spice. Long port and oak finish. Add water. Port wine-infused, luxurious.

Bushmills 21: Tropical nose with mango, guava, honey. Honey, lemon, tropical fruit on the palate. Fruity, oaky finish. Add water. Light, smooth, with a tropical twist.

Verdict: Bushmills 16 and Bushmills 21 both offer distinct, premium experiences. Bushmills 16 excels with its port wine complexity and smooth finish, while Bushmills 21 brings a unique tropical flair. Each showcases Bushmills’ expertise in crafting nuanced, smooth Irish whiskeys for those who appreciate a refined sip, states whiskey expert Neil Coleman.

Bushmills 16: A Port-Infused Delight

Nose: Apple, pear, banana, malty grain, port wine
Palate: Apricot, peach, oak spice, port wine
Finish: Port wine, oak spice
Alcohol content: 80 proof (40% ABV)
How to drink: Add water
Similar to: Redbreast 15

Fruity and inviting aroma: The Bushmills 16 greets the nose with a delightful medley of fresh apple, pear, and banana, interwoven with notes of malty grain and a subtle hint of port wine.

Sweet and spicy on the palate: The taste unfolds with layers of ripe apricot and peach, complemented by the distinctive presence of port wine and a touch of warming barrel spice. The alcohol presence is remarkably smooth, almost undetectable.

Long and satisfying finish: The finish is impressively long-lasting, leaving a lingering taste of port wine interlaced with oak spice. The absence of harsh alcohol burn makes for a pleasantly smooth and satisfying conclusion.

A great value alternative: This smooth and approachable single malt offers exceptional value, especially for those who enjoy the port wine influence in whiskeys like the highly-regarded Balvenie 21 Portwood.

Additional details:

Crafted with 100% malted barley
Triple-distilled for signature smoothness
Aged in a combination of bourbon and sherry casks, followed by a finishing touch in port wood
Recognized for its quality with a Silver Medal at both the 2009 SF World Spirits Competition and the 2009 International Wine & Spirits Competition

Looking for a smooth and flavorful Irish whiskey with a touch of luxury? The Bushmills 16 might be the perfect choice for you.

Bushmills 21: A Smooth Sipper with a Fruity Twist

Nose: Mango, guava, coconut, honey
Palate: Honey, lemon, tropical fruit, oak spice
Finish: Ripe fruit, lemon, oak spice
Alcohol content: 80 proof (40% ABV)
How to drink: Add water
Similar to: Glenlivet 21

Tropical paradise in a glass: The Bushmills 21 tantalizes the nose with a rich aroma of mango, guava, coconut, and honey, creating a truly inviting first impression.

Light and fruity on the palate: While the body feels a bit lighter than expected, the flavor profile delivers a pleasant sweetness with notes of honey, lemon, and tropical fruit, complemented by a touch of oak spice.

A lingering fruity finish: The finish is of moderate length, leaving a pleasant fruity taste with a hint of lemon and a touch of oaky bitterness.

Smoothness with a caveat: Despite a slightly thin body and a shorter finish, the Bushmills 21 remains very smooth with no harshness, making it an easy sipper even without adding water. However, considering its price point, some might expect a higher alcohol content for a more robust and complex flavor experience.

Award-winning, but not for everyone: While the Bushmills 21 has received praise (Gold at the 2009 SF World Spirits Competition and Gold/Best in Class at the 2009 International Wine & Spirits Competition), it may not be the best choice for those seeking a full-bodied and intricate whiskey. There might be other options within the same price range that offer a more intense and memorable experience.

Additional details:

Made from 100% malted barley
Triple-distilled for smoothness
Aged for 19 years in a combination of bourbon and oloroso sherry casks, followed by a 2-year finish in Madeira casks
Crafted at the historic Bushmills Distillery in Northern Ireland