Last Updated on: 9th April 2024, 01:18 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 21 and Glenlivet 21 in this comprehensive comparison, and determine which Whiskey or Whisky 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 21 vs Glenlivet 21: Comparison
Bushmills 21: Tropical aroma with mango, guava, and honey; palate of honey, lemon, and oak spice; moderate finish. Smooth, yet somewhat thin.
Glenlivet 21: Rich sherry and honey nose; viscous honey, caramel, and coffee palate; medium finish of honey and oak. Balanced and smooth.
Verdict: Both Bushmills 21 and Glenlivet 21 offer exceptional drinking experiences with their unique profiles. Bushmills 21 delights with its tropical note. Glenlivet 21 impresses with its rich, balanced flavors and satisfying mouthfeel, states whiskey expert Neil Coleman.
Related: Top-Rated 21-Year-Old Single Malts
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: Glenfiddich 21
The Bushmills 21 Year Old Irish whiskey offers a unique taste experience, but it might not be for everyone. Here’s a breakdown:
Tropical Promise: The aroma is truly impressive, bursting with delicious notes of mango, guava, coconut, and honey, creating a vibrant first impression.
Smooth Delivery: Despite the complex nose, the taste is surprisingly light-bodied. While some may prefer a richer texture, Bushmills 21 delivers a smooth and easy-drinking experience.
Fruity Symphony: Honey takes center stage on the palate, followed by lemon and a delightful continuation of the tropical fruit medley. A touch of oak spice adds a subtle complexity.
Lingering Citrus: The finish is moderate in length, leaving behind lingering fruity and lemony notes with a hint of oak spice and a touch of bitterness.
A Nose Ahead: It’s important to note that the aromas promise a more robust flavor profile than what the 80-proof bottling ultimately delivers. While some might find this a slight letdown, the whiskey remains smooth and enjoyable without needing water.
Solid Choice, Preference Matters: While the Bushmills 21 doesn’t quite reach the top tier due to its lighter body, it’s a very smooth and drinkable whiskey.
Personal Preference: It’s worth mentioning that some might find the Bushmills 16 Year Old to be a more well-rounded option, offering a richer taste profile at a more attractive price point.
Facts & Accolades:
- Made with malted barley and triple-distilled for a smooth taste.
- Aged for a minimum of 19 years in a combination of bourbon and oloroso sherry casks, followed by a two-year finish in Madeira casks.
- Awarded Gold at the 2009 SF World Spirits Competition and Gold & Best in Class at the 2009 International Wine & Spirits Competition.
- Crafted at the Bushmills Distillery in Northern Ireland, owned by Jose Cuervo.
Glenlivet 21: A Smooth Speyside Single Malt Whisky
- Nose: Sherry, honey, oak
- Palate: Honey, caramel, coffee, oak
- Finish: Medium, honey, oak, smoke
- Alcohol content: 86 proof (43% ABV)
- How to drink: Neat
- Similar to: Glenlivet 25
The Glenlivet 21 Year Old, also known as “The Archive,” offers a delightful taste experience for whisky enthusiasts. Here’s a closer look at this Speyside single malt:
Aromatic & Rich: The whisky greets you with pleasant aromas of honey and sherry, followed by a hint of oak. On the palate, it boasts a rich, smooth texture that elevates the sipping experience.
Honeyed Harmony: The flavor profile strikes a delightful balance. Honey and caramel sweetness take center stage, complemented by subtle notes of espresso coffee and oak.
Lingering Satisfaction: The finish is medium-length, leaving a warm aftertaste of honey, oak, and a touch of smoke. It’s a truly satisfying dram.
Worth the Experience: While not the most affordable option, the Glenlivet 21 delivers a smooth, well-balanced drinking experience. The 86-proof bottling ensures a pleasant mouthfeel without compromising smoothness.
Elegant Presentation: The Glenlivet 21 comes in a beautiful box set, adding a touch of sophistication to this remarkable whisky.
Facts & Accolades:
- The Glenlivet 21 blends whiskies aged for at least 21 years, with some as old as 40 years.
- These whiskies mature in a combination of ex-bourbon and ex-sherry casks.
- Glenlivet holds the title of best-selling single malt brand in the US and second globally.
- It received a Gold Outstanding award at the 2013 International Wine & Spirits Competition.
- Glenlivet is owned by Pernod Ricard, a French company, which also owns Chivas Regal.
Looking for a Speyside single malt with a smooth, balanced taste profile? The Glenlivet 21 might be the perfect choice for you.
Price comparison
Prices are approximate and stated in USD:
| Whisky | Price |
| Bushmills 21 | $241 |
| Glenlivet 21 | $290 |