Last Updated on: 12th April 2024, 01:49 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.
Discover the differences between Bushmills Original vs Bushmills Black Bush in this in-depth comparison and decide which Whiskey is better for You!
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 Original vs Bushmills Black Bush: Comparison
Bushmills Original: A light, affordable whiskey ideal for mixing, featuring apple and toasted cereal notes with a simple, short finish.
Bushmills Black Bush: Offers a richer, more complex profile with sherry and ripe fruit notes, a longer finish.
Key Difference: The Original ages for five years in American oak, blending with Irish Single Malt, while Black Bush matures longer (7-11 years) in Sherry and bourbon casks.
Verdict: Bushmills Original is great for those seeking a simple, mixable whiskey. Bushmills Black Bush appeals to those desiring more depth without a hefty price tag, suitable for sipping with water, states whiskey expert Neil Coleman.
Related: What’s the Best Bushmills Whiskey?
Bushmills Original: An Affordable Option for Mixing
- Alcohol content: 80 proof (40% ABV)
- How to drink: Cocktails
- Similar to: Kilbeggan
Light & Fruity: Bushmills Original presents a light aroma with subtle apple and grape notes, followed by a hint of alcohol that doesn’t overpower the senses.
Thin Body & Simple Flavors: The taste is thin-bodied and lacks the complexity of some whiskies. The initial sip offers flavors reminiscent of apple juice, toasted cereal, sugar, vanilla, and oak.
Short Finish with a Twist: The finish is short, leaving a mild oaky bitterness that’s balanced by a touch of charred caramel, adding a slight redeeming note.
More for Mixing: While not bad for its price, Bushmills Original lacks the depth and complexity for neat sipping. However, it becomes a viable option in affordable whiskey cocktails, where its simplicity blends well with other ingredients.
Bushmills Original Facts:
- Aged for five years in American oak casks before blending with Irish Single Malt.
- Triple-distilled for smoothness.
Bushmills Black Bush: A Sweet Surprise
- Alcohol content: 80 proof (40% ABV)
- How to drink: Add water
- Similar to: Bushmills 10
From Sherry to Spice: Black Bush greets your nose with a touch of alcohol that quickly fades, revealing rich aromas of sherry, dried fruit, and subtle oak.
Smooth & Sweet on the Palate: While initially thin, the taste is surprisingly smooth and sweet. Ripe fruits and vanilla take center stage, complemented by a delightful touch of cinnamon spice.
Lingering Sweetness: The finish pleasantly lingers beyond expectations, offering a sweet ripe fruit note with gentle oak spice, all without being overwhelming.
Approachable & Affordable: Black Bush is a pleasant and approachable whiskey. It might not boast extreme complexity, but it surpasses expectations for its price point. In fact, its smooth profile and hint of spice offer a compelling alternative to pricier Scotches like Macallan, making it a budget-friendly option.
Black Bush Facts:
- Aged for 7 to 11 years in a combination of Oloroso Sherry casks and ex-bourbon barrels.
- Triple-distilled for smoothness, a hallmark of Irish whiskey.
- A blend of 80% malt whiskey and 20% grain whiskey.
Enjoy responsibly.
What’s the difference between the Original and the Black Bush?
The distinction between these whiskeys lies in their aging process.
The Orignal is aged for five years in American oak casks before being blended with Irish Single Malt.
On the other hand, the Black Bush is aged for a longer period, typically ranging from 7 to 11 years.
During this time, it is matured in a combination of Oloroso Sherry Wine casks and ex-bourbon barrels.
This difference in aging gives the Black Bush a more settled and complex character.
The additional years of maturation and the influence of the sherry casks contribute to its unique flavor profile, offering a deeper and richer experience.
Price comparison
Prices are approximate and stated in USD:
| Whiskey | Price |
| Bushmills Original | $21 |
| Bushmills Black Bush | $30 |