Bushmills 16 Year Old Single Malt

Description

Bushmills 16 Year Old Single Malt Bottling Note

Bushmills 16 Year Old Single Malt is produced at the Old Bushmills Distillery in County Antrim, Northern Ireland, the world’s oldest licensed whiskey distillery, with origins dating back to 1608.

This expression is a standout in the Bushmills single malt range, known for its complex maturation process and layered character. The whiskey is triple distilled from 100% malted barley using traditional copper pot stills, a method that contributes to its smooth texture and refined structure. It is initially aged for approximately 15 years in a combination of ex-bourbon barrels and Oloroso sherry casks, which impart depth and subtle spice. The final stage of maturation takes place in port wine pipes for around nine months, adding a distinctive richness and a hint of ruby colour to the spirit.

Bushmills sources its water from Saint Columb’s Rill, a tributary of the River Bush, and maintains a non-peated style across its single malts. The 16 Year Old is bottled at 40% ABV and reflects the distillery’s commitment to long-term ageing and cask diversity. Its profile is shaped by the interplay of American oak, Spanish sherry wood, and Portuguese port pipes, resulting in a whisky that offers layered complexity and a rounded finish.

This expression continues to be released in small batches, maintaining consistency while showcasing the distillery’s expertise in multi-cask maturation.

Bushmills 16 Year Old Single Malt Tasting Note

Nose: Rich and complex. Dominant aromas of deep toasted nuts, dried fruit, and sherry-soaked sultanas are immediately apparent. Secondary notes of dark honey, marzipan, and gentle baking spices add sophistication.

Palate: A remarkably smooth and full mouthfeel. The flavour opens with dark chocolate and praline, quickly evolving into a warm rush of sweet Christmas cake and plum. There is a beautifully integrated spice layer, balancing the intense sweetness from the multiple cask maturations.

Finish: Long and luxurious. The warmth persists, leaving behind hints of rich port wine and a final, satisfying dryness of oak and leather.

Overall: An exceptional single malt. The triple wood maturation strategy has produced a deeply layered and satisfying whiskey that stands as a rich, yet balanced, cornerstone of the Bushmills range.