Last Updated on: 29th April 2024, 06:24 pm
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 all the aspects of Bushmills Original Irish Whiskey in this comprehensive review that provides answers to all your relevant questions!
Reviewed by: J Highland
Bushmills The Original: A No-Frills Irish Whiskey (Good for Mixing)
Rating: ⭐⭐
Bushmills The Original is a straightforward Irish whiskey that gets the job done for casual drinking.
Basic But Inoffensive:
This expression sits in the budget-friendly category and offers a simple flavor profile. While not complex, it avoids any unpleasant or harsh notes.
More Shine in Mixed Drinks:
Bushmills The Original shines more in cocktails than neat sips. Adding ice or mixing it with ginger ale enhances its drinkability.
Affordable Nightcap Option:
If you’re looking for a no-fuss and affordable way to end the evening, Bushmills The Original is a decent choice. It’s not something you’d go out of your way to find, but it’s perfectly acceptable if offered, states whiskey expert Neil Coleman.
- Related: Budget-Friendly Irish Whiskeys
- Learn more: Bushmills Website
What’s unique about Bushmills?
Bushmills is a blend of triple-distilled malted barley and grain whiskey, both of which have been matured in ex-bourbon barrels.
How does Bushmills The Original taste?
- Nose: Apple, grape, alcohol
- Palate: Apple, toasted cereal, sugar, vanilla, oak
- Finish: Short, oak spice, caramel
- Alcohol content: 80 proof (40% ABV)
- How to drink: Cocktails
- Similar to: Proper 12
Upon nosing, there is a discernible apple note, accompanied by subtle hints of grapes and a slight alcohol presence, which is not overpowering.
On the palate, the Bushmills whiskey feels rather thin, lacking in body.
The initial sip reveals flavors reminiscent of apple juice, with delicate undertones of toasted cereal, sugar, vanilla, and oak.
The finish is relatively short-lived, featuring oak spice bitterness, but it is balanced by a pleasant charred caramel note that adds a redeeming touch.
Is it smoky?
On a scale of 1 to 5 (5 being the highest), Bushmills scores a zero, signifying its complete absence of smoke and peat.
These particular notes can be challenging for many consumers to appreciate, but Bushmills offers a whisky that is entirely free from them.
How does The Original rank?
These are my Irish Whiskey rankings:
| Whiskey | Rank |
| Redbreast 12 | 82 |
| Green Spot | 82 |
| Jameson | 63 |
| Bushmills | 60 |
| Tullamore DEW | 59 |
As you can observe, there is a substantial gap between Bushmills and whiskeys like Redbreast 12 and Green Spot, which represent the entry-level offerings of some of the finest Irish Whiskeys.
In comparison to Jameson, Bushmills falls slightly below, but it fares better than Tullamore DEW, which presents a more pronounced bitter taste.
Frequently Asked Questions
A quick FAQ to address your doubts:
How to drink it?
- Bushmills may not be ideal for sipping, as it can become bitter on the finish with oak spice taking over.
- Instead, it is recommended for mixing in cocktails like Old Fashioned or with ginger ale.
Also read: How to Drink Bushmills Irish Whiskey
Alternatives
- Consider Proper 12, also known as Conor McGregor’s Whiskey, which is crafted at the same distillery but undergoes different barrel management.
- Proper 12 offers a better taste for sipping on the rocks.
- Additionally, Paddy Irish Whiskey and Powers are affordable alternatives with good quality.
Pricing Guide
- Prices vary by country: US ($20), Canada ($37), UK (£23), Australia ($40), and Ireland (€31).
Alcohol content
- Bottled at 80 proof (40% ABV), the standard for most Irish whiskey.
Aging
- The Bushmills Original does not provide an age statement but is matured for around five years in bourbon and sherry casks.
Is it a Single Malt?
- No, Bushmills is a blend of a single malt whiskey and a lighter grain whiskey.
Does it expire?
- Alcoholic beverages do not expire. Proper storage in a cool, dark place ensures longevity.
How to store it?
- Store Bushmills in a cool place away from sunlight, with the bottle upright to prevent the stopper from coming into contact with the liquid.
Where is it made?
- Bushmills is crafted at the Old Bushmills Distillery located in Bushmills, Antrim, Northern Ireland.
Who owns Bushmills?
- Bushmills is currently owned by Jose Cuervo, who acquired it from Diageo along with cash as part of the acquisition of Don Julio Tequila.
How did I review Bushmills The Original?
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.
Bushmills The Original Irish Whiskey: Specs
| Type of Whisky | Blend |
| Age statement | No |
| Proof | 80 |
| ABV | 40% |
| Is it good? | Meh |
| Is it top-shelf? | No |
| Does it expire? | No |
| Sweet? | Moderately |
| Warm? | No |
| Peaty? | No |
| Good for beginners? | Yes |
| Good for cocktails? | Yes |
| Good with Coke? | Yes |
| Calories per shot | 108 |
| Gluten-free | Yes |
| Keto-friendly | Yes |
| Kosher | No |