Bushmills Single Malt Aged 21 Years
Bushmills Single Malt Aged 21 Years
On our first Whisk(e)y Wednesday of the 2022 Spirited Holiday Countdown Calendar, we decided to go big with one of our most exciting Irish Whiskies on the shelf these days. It’s exciting for many reasons, but mostly because it is the oldest whiskey we have in the Irish Whiskey category, and it comes from one of the oldest distilleries in Ireland. Bushmills.
This is also our first Single Malt Irish whiskey in this year’s calendar. So, what exactly is that? Single Malt whiskies are offerings from a single distillery. The Balvenie scotch we tasted on the 3rd is also a Single Malt, but Scotch. Blending was, and still is, the standard for Scotch and Irish whisk(e)y. Where barrels are blended from multiple distillery locations for the purpose of creating a whiskey that is consistent in its flavor profile. The uniqueness of single malts has become more of the norm in the last 25 years, so more and more distilleries are branding single malt scotches, while maintaining the relationships with the blending houses. Lends to a lot of variation in the Scotch and Irish Whisk(e)y realm.
Aged 19 years in Oloroso sherry and bourbon casks, then an additional two years in Madeira casks, this whiskey has a ridiculous amount of depth, and only the slightest hint of oak.
- Name: Bushmills Single Malt Aged 21 Years
- Country of Origin/Locale: Bushmills, County Antrim, Northern Ireland
- Proof: 80.0
- Glass: Glencairn
- Temperature: Room
- Cocktail Options: No
- Available: Yes. Retail and in JJ’s Bar
- Price: List Price – $349.99 JJ’s VIP Price – $279.99
Tom’s Tasting Notes: When I first pour this whiskey into a Glencairn, I have to be patient with it. Much like a lot of other old whiskies, it can be a little rough to start. A proper amount of breathing time is necessary to really enjoy this one. That being said, stick your nose in the glass right away so you know what I am talking about. Just don’t drink it. Give it about five minutes before you take a taste, it’s worth the wait. On the nose is a heavy dose of dark chocolate and dried fruit. The palate is nutty with notes of toffee, dark chocolate and raisins. The finish is insanely long. Slainte!
The last time something of this sort was on my lips it was the Bushmills Millennium malt. I may need to bring one of these home. While I’m not usually drawn to the Irish single malts, this one is surprisingly delicate and complex. While my sample was neat, I cannot imagine it would hold up to much added water at all. The nose is abundant apricot and you nailed the toffee on the palate. I couldn’t find the raisins, but perhaps it was only because I was still hung up on the apricot. Another fantastic pour! Sláinte!