Bushmills

Bushmills' value rests on the historical authority of being the 'world's oldest licensed distillery (1608)'. Where Jameson is the face of mass share, Bushmills is the traditionalist that makes both blends and single malts in Northern Ireland. The 10, 16 and 21 single malts carry its critical standing, while single-cask limiteds like the Causeway Collection fill the premium tier.

Prices are approximate retail / duty-free · Limiteds at brand list price · Not a personal tasting score

Bushmills is made in a village on the River Bush in Antrim, Northern Ireland. Distilled three times in the Irish tradition, it sheds rough edges for a smooth sweetness of honey, vanilla and green fruit. Under one roof it makes both blends — White and Black Bush — and the 10, 16 and 21 single malts from malted barley alone. Black Bush leans on sherry casks for a richer, sweeter character.

It claims the title of 'world's oldest licensed distillery' on the basis of a 1608 distilling licence in the area (the distillery proper was founded in 1784). It is one of the few names that survived the collapse of the Irish whiskey industry in the 20th century, and today it runs as an independent operation under José Cuervo's Proximo.

In Korea, Bushmills is not as ubiquitous as Jameson, but it keeps a steady following on the strength of its 'oldest distillery' story and soft Irish character. The light Original is often suggested as a highball, and Black Bush as a neat pour for its sherry sweetness. Its strengths are smoothness and a story to tell, rather than a bold character.