So this special bottling was created to celebrate Bushmills 400th birthday (which is actually in 2184 but anyway). In contrast to the already reviewed Single Malts from Bushmills it is non-chillfiltered and bottled with 46.0%. This blend is partly made up of crystal malt – malted barley which has been dried at a high temperature whilst the grains are still moist, thus partly converting the grain’s into sugars and caramelizing them. Sounds interesting to me and to be honest to you this is the first time that I read about this type of malt.

Facts

Bushmills 1608 400th Anniversary

Nose

At first a very concentrated floral note. I get heather, freshly-cut grass, roses and lavender out of it. Then some more sweeter elements, maybe some vanilla and pine honey. Also marzipan and red fruits. On top of this some medium dry Sherry notes.

Taste

A sweet entrance to the palate with traces of vanilla. Afterwards a noticeable Sherry influx paired with roasted almonds. A slightly oaky touch in the background.

Finish

long with slightly dry Sherry. Lingering dark chocolate and rum-soaked raisins

Conclusion

Pretty much your picture-book type of blend. A bit of almost everything put together in a very enjoyable way.

Score:  81 / 100

The Bushmills 21 Year Old is partly matured in Bourbon Casks and partly matured in Oloroso Sherry Casks. Afterwards all casks are married and finished in Madeira Casks for 2 years. This is the oldest available bottling in the Bushmills range at the moment and is only produced in smaller quantities. Every bottle is single numbered.

Facts

Bushmills 21 Years Old

Nose

Very tight-knit with all flavors deeply interwoven. An aroma almost as mysterious as the Sphinx. There are hints of mint chocolate, honey, toffee, raisins and spices like nutmeg and cinnamon. Also a nutty touch of almonds and walnuts. A bit malt in the distant background.

Taste

Honey, toffee and milk chocolate. Some malt and a touch oak without the bitterness.

Finish

long and just a tad dry with tobacco. Mint flashes up before rum-soaked raisins kick in.

Overall

An amazing start with a tremendous interesting nose but unfortunately flattens out a bit in the delivery before it gains again in the finish. Still a very pleasant experience overall.

Score:  85 / 100

The Bushmills 16 Year Old is partly matured in American Oak Casks and partly matured in Oloroso Sherry Casks. Afterwards all casks are married and finished in Port Pipes for another 6 to 9 months. Therefore this bottling is also called “Three Woods”.

Facts

Bushmills 16 Years Old

Nose

A pleasant Port note upfront. Dark cherries, marzipan, milk chocolate and honey pie. After a while some dry Sherry comes to light.

Taste

Sweet entrance. A true firework of roasted cherries, honey liqueur, marzipan and roasted almonds evolves. And to round things up the Sherry makes a delicate appearance in the background now.

Finish

long with a tad dryness, red berries covered in dark chocolate

Overall

Wonderful complex yet very balanced, this dram is inherently consistent from start to finish.

Score:  89 / 100

The Bushmills 10 Years Old is the youngest single malt in the Bushmills range.

Facts

Bushmills 10 Years Old

Nose

At first a cool touch. Mint chocolate and marzipan. Some hints of Sherry in the back. Also some undertones of honey, vanilla, cinnamon and dried fruits like dried oranges.

Taste

A sweet delivery of white fruits. Afterwards distinct Sherry and again sweetness which is now more on the malty side of things. Milk chocolate and light oak.

Finish

pretty short and mild, with a bit of bitter oak

Overall

A very honest and straight forward Irish Whiskey. Easy to drink but a bit bland overall so do not expect the earth to move.

Score:  71 / 100