Bushmills

Bushmills Review

Reputedly the oldest licensed distillery in the world, Bushmills was first granted a charter by King James I in 1608, though historical records refer to a distillery here as early as 1276. Bushmills produces the most famous of Irish whiskeys—its namesake—and what is widely regarded as the best, the rarer black-label version known to aficionados as Black Bush. On the guided tour you will discover the secrets of the special water from St. Columb's Rill, the story behind malted Irish barley, and learn about triple distillation in copper stills and aging (which happens for long years in oak casks). You begin in the mashing and fermentation room, proceed to the maturing and bottling warehouse, and conclude, yes, with the much anticipated, complimentary shot of uisce beatha, the "water of life." You can also have a light lunch in the Distillery Kitchen or buy souvenirs in the distillery gift shop. To mark its 400th anniversary, the company produced Bushmills 1608, a limited edition whiskey distilled with crystal malt, a special type of malted barley with an alluring aroma and sweet toffeelike smoothness. It's a buy at ?45 (?5 off if you take the tour). Bushmills Master Distiller, Colum Egan, describes it with the following colorful personification: "It is a very approachable whiskey with great depth of character, and in true Irish style, it has plenty of personality and a gentle touch." Children under 8 are not permitted on the tour.