Bushmill's

Bushmills is one of the world’s most historic and respected whiskey distilleries, proudly carrying the title of the Oldest Licensed Whiskey Distillery in the World. Located in County Antrim, Northern Ireland, Bushmills traces its heritage back to 1608, when King James I granted Sir Thomas Phillips a license to distil in the area. This deep-rooted history makes Bushmills a cornerstone of Irish whiskey tradition and a global ambassador for the category.

The distillery, as it exists today, was officially established in 1784, and over the centuries it has weathered wars, Prohibition, and economic challenges, continually refining its craft. Its location along the River Bush provides exceptionally pure water, filtered through basalt rock, which is a key component of Bushmills’ famously smooth spirit.

Bushmills is known for its dedication to triple distillation in traditional copper pot stills, a process that produces a lighter, purer spirit. While some Irish distillers combine pot still and grain whiskey in their blends, Bushmills focuses on single malt whiskey, made entirely from malted barley, as well as blends that incorporate their single malt with high-quality grain whiskey. The result is a house style defined by smoothness, honeyed sweetness, and layered fruit character.

Maturation takes place in a mix of ex-bourbon American oak barrels and Oloroso sherry casks from Spain, with occasional use of port, rum, and wine casks for special releases. The relatively cool, damp Northern Irish climate allows for slow, steady maturation, creating a well-balanced integration of spirit and wood influence.

Flavour profiles vary across the range, but Bushmills single malts are often marked by green apple, honey, vanilla, malt biscuit, and soft spice, while sherried expressions bring richer tones of raisin, nut, and chocolate. The triple distillation gives the spirit a refined texture and exceptionally smooth finish, making Bushmills accessible for newcomers yet rewarding for seasoned whiskey drinkers.

Bushmills also plays a vital role in Irish whiskey’s modern revival. As the oldest licensed distillery still in operation, it blends heritage with innovation, experimenting with cask finishes and small-batch releases while maintaining its signature style.

Our Bushmills selection covers everything from the approachable Bushmills Original and Black Bush to rare single malts and limited Causeway Collection bottlings. Whether you’re exploring Irish whiskey for the first time or seeking a mature, collectible expression, Bushmills offers a taste of centuries-old craftsmanship, a connection to Irish heritage, and a consistently excellent dram.