Bushmills Black Bush Review

Last Updated on: 29th April 2024, 05:22 pm

Unearth a comprehensive review of Bushmills Black Bush that delves into all aspects and answers all your related questions!

Reviewed by: J Highland

Black Bush: Smooth Irish Whiskey for Everyday Enjoyment (Great Value)

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐

Black Bush offers a pleasant surprise for those seeking a smooth and easy-drinking Irish whiskey at a great price.

Simple Yet Satisfying

While not overly complex, Black Bush delivers a clean and enjoyable flavor profile, exceeding expectations for its price point.

A Step Up from Bushmills

Black Bush stands out as a significant improvement compared to lower-tier Bushmills offerings like Red Bush and The Original.

A Scotch-Like Sipping Experience

The use of malt whiskey in the mash bill gives Black Bush a character reminiscent of a good Speyside Scotch. This, along with similar barrel aging, makes it a budget-friendly alternative to brands like Glenlivet or Glenfiddich.

A Winning Combination: Value and Enjoyment

Black Bush delivers a winning combination of affordability and easy-drinking pleasure. It’s a worthy addition to any liquor cabinet for those seeking a reliable and enjoyable Irish whiskey, states whiskey expert Neil Coleman.

• Related: Bushmills Back Bush vs Red Bush
• Learn more: Bushmills Black Bush Website

What’s unique about the Bushmills Black Bush?

• The Black Bush is a triple-distilled Irish Whiskey.
• This is a blend of 80% malt whiskey and 20% grain whiskey providing a refined taste.
• The whiskeys in the blend are aged from 7 to 11 years, using a high proportion of Oloroso Sherry Wine casks and bourbon barrels.

How does Bushmills Black Bush taste?

• Nose: Sherry, dried fruit, oak
• Palate: Vanilla, ripe fruit, baking spice
• Finish: Long, ripe fruit, oak spice
• Alcohol content: 80 proof (40% ABV)
• How to drink: Add water
• Similar to: Jameson Black Barrel

Initially, the nose may exhibit a bit of alcohol, but it quickly dissipates, giving way to a rich sherry aroma, accompanied by dried fruit and a subtle oak presence.

On the palate, the Black Bush presents a somewhat thin texture, which is quite common among Irish Whiskeys in this price range.

The flavor profile is primarily sweet and smooth, with hints of ripe fruit and vanilla, followed by a delightful touch of cinnamon, adding a pleasant spicy dimension.

Surprisingly, the finish lingers longer than expected for a whiskey at this price point, leaving behind a sweet ripe fruit note, along with a gentle oak spice—nothing too intense—and very little to no warmth as it goes down.

How did I review Bushmills Black Bush?

I run a pub and a liquor store, granting me extensive access to various spirits, in addition, I moonlight as a spirits distiller.

My evaluations include my insights and feedback from customers and patrons and whiskey expert opinions from Neil Coleman who has been for decades in the liquor business.

I also corroborate my views with online research to ensure accuracy.

Our ratings are determined primarily by four key factors: aroma, taste, finish, and value for money. While we do consider packaging, it is of lesser importance to us, as we prioritize the quality of the liquid inside over the aesthetics of the bottle.

⭐ – Poor, ⭐⭐ – Average, ⭐⭐⭐ – Good, ⭐⭐⭐⭐ – Very Good, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – Excellent.

FAQ: Bushmills Black Bush Irish Whiskey

A quick FAQ to address your doubts:

Is it smoky?

On a scale of 1 to 5 (5 being the highest), the Black Bush scores a zero, indicating its complete absence of smoke and peat.

These particular notes can be challenging for many consumers to appreciate, but the Black Bush offers a whiskey that is entirely free from them.

How does the Black Bush rank?

• The Black Bush ranks at 68 on the whiskey list, making it a better choice than mid-shelf releases like Powers and Paddy, but not on par with fine whiskeys such as Redbreast or Green Spot.

How to drink it?

• The Black Bush is an uncomplicated and smooth whiskey that can be enjoyed neat or with a dash of water. It also works well on the rocks.
• While it lacks the peppery notes found in some whiskeys for highballs or mixing with ginger ale, it still makes a decent choice for cocktails.
• For highballs, you may prefer whiskies like Johnnie Walker Red Label.

Also read: How to Drink Bushmills Black Bush

Alternatives

• Consider trying the Glendalough Double Barrel, which offers a more robust and polished flavor profile, though it comes at a slightly higher price.
• Another option is the Roe & Co, an Irish Whiskey bottled at a higher proof, packed with good flavors, and worth considering.

Bushmills Black Bush: Pricing Guide

• Prices vary by country: US ($30), Canada ($40), UK (£29), Australia ($63), and Ireland (€36).

Alcohol content

• Bottled at 80 proof (40% ABV), which is the average proof for Irish Whiskey.

Aging

• This whiskey provides No Age Statement (NAS) but is aged from 7 to 11 years, using a combination of Oloroso Sherry Wine casks and ex-bourbon barrels.
• The Oloroso casks contribute pleasant sweet notes and dark color to the whiskey.

Is it a Single Malt?

• No, the Black Bush is vatted from approximately 80% malt whiskey and 20% grain whiskey. Malt whiskeys tend to be smoother than those made from grain.

Does it expire?

• Alcohol doesn’t expire; it will last for years when stored in a cool place away from sunlight.

How to store it?

• Store the Black Bush in a cool place, upright, and away from sunlight, ensuring the bottle’s stopper does not come into contact with the liquid.

Bushmills Black Bush: Specs

Type of Whisky	Blend
Age statement	No
Proof	80
ABV	40%
Is it good?	Yes
Is it top-shelf?	No
Does it expire?	No
Sweet?	Yes
Warm?	No
Peaty?	No
Good for beginners?	Yes
Good for cocktails?	Yes
Good with Coke?	Not the best
Calories per shot	108
Gluten-free	Yes
Keto-friendly	Yes
Kosher	No