Bushmills 10 Years Irish Single Malt Whiskey 1 l

The Bushmills Single Malt 10 Year Old is a great whiskey from the Bushmills Distillery. Even though the company’s core product is a blended whiskey, this dram is of an excellent quality as well. So, creating mainly blended whiskey does not mean that one is not able to produce fantastic single malts as well.

This one is slightly sweet on the nose with the aromas of fruits, some honey and hints of spices. On the palate the malty sweetness comes through quite clear. Furthermore, it shows fruity flavours, melted chocolate, vanilla and just a very mellow sherry note. Towards the end it is becoming dry, crisp and clean. The finish is of about medium length. Overall, this Irish single malt is a little different to the typical Scotch single malt. It appears a bit lighter and sweeter.

The Bushmills Single Malt 10 Year Old matured most of the 10 years in ex-bourbon casks, which are made of American white oak. They tend to provide mellow aromas and smooth flavours. Afterwards the whiskey was filled in ex sherry casks. Those are made of European oak and were used at the Iberian Peninsula. Because those casks are seasoned with sherry, they lead to a deeper colour of the whiskey and to a stronger character. The combination of those two kinds of barrels are the secret of a rich and complex single malt whiskey.

Even though it is not totally clear when the production of whiskey started in Ireland, it is certain that its tradition is very old. Having a look at the bottles of Bushmills one can see the number 1608. This is the year when King James I. granted a licence to Sir Thomas Phillipps that allowed him to distil whiskey. But it was not until 1784 that the Bushmills Distillery was officially established. It was Hugh Anderson who founded the legal business.

• Wizards of Whisky Awards 2015
  Gold in the category Single Malts
• International Wine & Spirit Competition 2014
  Gold Outstanding in the category Irish Whisky - Single Malt
• World Whiskies Awards 2014
  Gold in the category Irish Single Malt 12 Years and Under
• The Irish Whisky Masters 2014
  Gold in the category Irish Single Malt – Premium
• Wizards of Whisky Awards 2014
  Bronze in the category Irish Whiskey
• San Francisco World Spirits Competition 2013
  Gold in the category Single Malt Irish Whiskey
• Malt Maniacs Awards 2013
  Bronze in the category Daily Dram
• The Irish Whisky Masters 2013
  Silver in the category Irish Single Malt – Premium
• International Wine & Spirit Competition 2013
  Silver Outstanding in the category Irish Whisky - Single Malt