Bushmills 16 Year Single Malt Irish Whiskey

Multiple Cask Aging Makes This Whiskey a Winner

Bushmills Info:
Distillery: Old Bushmills Distillery (Northern Ireland)
ABV: 40% (80 Proof)
Price Point:  $$$ (Around $85)
Preferred Way to Drink: Neat, Neat, or Neat

I have been a big fan of whiskeys that have been aged in multiple casks (Balvenie Double Wood, Aberlour and the Glenmorangie range of sherry, port and madeira finished scotches to name a few). Having the spirit age in multiple casks creates a new depth in the body that single cask whiskeys cannot achieve.  So take a whiskey that has been aged in three different casks (bourbon, port and sherry) and then have it aged for 16 years – and you have yourself a winner.

Let me introduce you to the fantastic Bushmills 16 Year Irish Whiskey.

This Irish whiskey took me by surprise.  I have to admit that I was less than excited when I was given this bottle to try out because I have not been less than enamored by Bushmills in the past.  I guess that is because I have only had the standard version, which is light with little complexity.

This one is nothing like it’s younger sibling. Thick and rich, smooth and sweet with tastes of winter spice.  This is a complex whiskey that is a treat to experience.  Maybe this is why Wine Enthusiast gave it a 96 rating and it got the Double Gold award at the 2005 San Francisco Spirits Competition.