Bushmills Irish Whiskey Bottle Prices, Sizes & Guide (2024)

Written By Lydia Martin
April 13, 2022

Last Updated on March 21, 2024 by Lydia Martin

We’re sure you’re here to learn all about Bushmills, the Irish Whiskey brand. Our team spent the entire weekend taste-testing and researching to become your best experts on the subject.

Ready? Let’s begin!

An Overview of Bushmills Irish Whiskey

Bushmills Irish Whiskey is produced in Ireland’s oldest whiskey distillery, operational since the early 1600s. This gentle, warming spirit is one of the finest blended Irish whiskeys — smooth and mellow on the lips, soft on the palate, with a touch of spice on the tongue.

This incredible whiskey has won multiple awards, including the coveted Best Irish Whiskey in the San Francisco World Spirits Competition for the Bushmills 1608 line. The Black Bush and 10, 16, and 21-Year-Olds have also won top awards.

Did You Know?

Distillation & Production Process

Bushmills Irish Whiskey is triple-distilled and made from 100 percent single-malt barley.

The first distillation takes the whiskey up to 25 to 30 percent ABV and then to 70 to 84 percent after the second and third distillations. The spirit is then diluted with water to reach an ABV of 63 percent before being put inside the appropriate barrel to age. Check out the most expensive Irish Whiskeys here.

Aging Process

The Bushmills Original Irish Whiskey is aged for a minimum of six years and the Black Bush for eight to meet the industry standard of three years for Irish whiskey.

The distillery uses four different barrels for the aging process (ex-bourbon, oloroso sherry, port, and Madeira) for an added smoky flavor to the spirit. Once the spirits have been blended, they are further aged for two more years in Madeira casks for more sweetness and an added complexity.

What It’s Made Of

Bushmills Irish Whiskey is made from barley grown in Cork, south Ireland. It is malted and ground to a grist and blended with water from the nearby Saint Columb’s Rill, a tributary of the Bush River. The premium ingredients ensure a spirit with a unique depth of flavor and trademark smoothness.

It is then blended with column-distilled grain whiskey purchased from Midleton, a neighboring distillery.

Bushmills Original and Black Bush are made from this blend: 55 percent single malt and 45 percent grain whiskey, and 80 percent single-malt and 20 percent grain whiskey.

The labels 10, 16, and 21-Year-Olds are made from single malts.

The final spirits from all lines are bottled at 40 percent ABV, except for the 1608 line at 46 percent, which was a special release celebrating their 400th Anniversary.

Read: Bushmills vs Tullamore DEW

Where It’s Made

Bushmills Irish Whiskey is made in the oldest Irish distillery located in Bushmills, County Antrim, Northern Ireland.

The company that had built the distillery itself was first founded in 1784 by Hugh Anderson, instead of the 1608 you may find on the bottle label. 1608 was referenced from a royal license (King James I) that had been given to a local landowner (Sir Thomas Philips) to distill spirits in the same area the distillery is built on today.

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How To Drink Bushmills Irish Whiskey

There isn’t a single “best way” to enjoy Bushmills Irish Whiskey, but, being the experts we are, you should start by drinking it neat. Doing so will allow you to fully appreciate the different flavors in this Irish whiskey, from sweet and delicate to the more nutty and exotic. Don’t forget to use the appropriate glassware, such as an Old Fashioned or rocks glass!

If Bushmills is too harsh for your naked palate, you can further experiment by adding a bit of water or serving it on the rocks. This will cut back the alcoholic bite and further open up the bouquet and flavors of the whiskey. [1]

It’s also a great idea to have Bushmills in your favorite mixed drinks. Its flavors will work extremely well when paired with club soda or ginger ale.

Common Bushmills Whiskey Prices

Type	Size	Alcohol By Volume	Average Price
Bushmills 10-Year-Old	750ml	40	Around $43
Bushmills 10 Year OldBot.1980s	750ml	40	Around $190
Bushmills 16-Year-Old Single MaltPort Finish	750ml	40	Around $129
Bushmills 2000 Port Cask Causeway Collection	750ml	54.1	Around $360
Bushmills 21-Year-Old	750ml	40	Around $248
Bushmills Black Bush	750ml	40	Around $34
Bushmills Bourbon Cask Finish	750ml	40	Around $34
Bushmills Caribbean Rum Cask Finish	750ml	40	Around $34
Bushmills Original	750ml	40	Around $26
Bushmills Red Bush	750ml	40	Around $26
Old Bushmills 9 Year Old	750ml	43	Around $522
Old Bushmills Pure Malt	750ml	40	Around $4583

Compared to Other Irish Whiskeys

Jameson

Jameson is sweet and fragrant on the nose, much like Bushmills. It also uses carefully-selected oak barrels for its 4-year aging process — in this case, Irish Pale Ale-seasoned barrels. The final spirit is a wonderful blend of floral and herbal hops with light citrus and spice.

A 750ml bottle of Jameson Irish costs around $22, at par with Bushmills Original.

Read: Jameson vs Bushmills

Redbreast

What makes Redbreast vastly different from Bushmills is that it’s a single pot still Irish whiskey instead of blended. Redbreast is a lot more luxurious and creamy, balanced out with smoky oak and the sweetness of red berries.

You can expect to pay around $60-ish for a 750ml bottle of Redbreast 12-Year-Old, slightly more expensive than a Bushmills 12-Year-Old.

2 Gingers

2 Gingers is double-distilled, compared to Bushmills’ triple. The final spirit is crisp, with potent banana and other dried fruit notes, coupled with light spice, nuts, and honey.

2 Gingers is one of the most inexpensive Irish whiskeys, costing just under $20 for a 750ml bottle.

Popular Bushmills Whiskey Cocktail Recipes

Irish Negroni

Prep Time: 2 minutes

Total Time: 2 minutes

Ingredients:

1 oz Bushmills Red Bush
1 oz herbal aperitif
1 oz sweet red vermouth
Orange peel
Ice

Instructions:

Pour all liquid ingredients into a rocks glass and stir well until combined. Add ice. Give everything a final stir and garnish with an orange peel.

Serving: 1

Gold Rush

Prep Time: 2 minutes

Total Time: 2 minutes

Ingredients:

1.5 oz Bushmills Original
1 oz lemon juice
1 oz honey syrup
4 sprigs fresh mint
Lemon wheel
Mint leaf
Ice

Instructions:

Pour all ingredients (except the lemon wheel) into a cocktail shaker filled with ice and shake well until combined and chilled. Strain and pour into a rocks glass with fresh ice. Garnish with a lemon wheel and a mint leaf.

Serving: 1

Caribbean Highball

Prep Time: 3 minutes

Total Time: 3 minutes

Ingredients:

1 oz Bushmills Caribbean Rum Cask Finish
3 oz soda water
Lemon juice
Lime wedge
Ice

Instructions:

Fill a highball glass with ice and pour the whiskey in. Top everything off with soda water. Squeeze the juice of half a lemon into the glass and stir. Garnish with a lime wedge.

Serving: 1

FAQs

Is Bushmills Irish whiskey cheap?

No, Bushmills Irish whiskey is not cheap. Their older bottles, like the 16 or 21-Year-Olds, can cost you a few hundred dollars. If that’s out of your budget, you can always go for the Original or Black Bush blends for less than $40.

Is Bushmills older than Jameson?

Yes, Bushmills Irish whiskey is older than Jameson. The Bushmills Distillery in County Antrim has been around since the 1600s. In comparison, John Jameson established his distillery only in 1780.

Can you buy Bushmills whiskey in the US?

Yes, you can buy Bushmills whiskeys in the US. Aside from being available online, like The Whiskey Exchange and Drizly, many local stores also carry bottles of this brand.

Which Is Best: Jameson or Bushmills?

Determining whether Jameson or Bushmills is the best whiskey ultimately comes down to personal preference. Both Jameson and Bushmills are respected brands with long histories of whiskey production and loyal followings. Jameson Irish Whiskey is known for its smooth and approachable taste, with hints of vanilla, toasted wood, and nutty notes. It’s a versatile whiskey enjoyed neat, on the rocks, or in cocktails. On the other hand, Bushmills Irish Whiskey is celebrated for its rich and complex flavor profile, with fruity, floral, and spicy undertones. It’s characterized by its smoothness and balanced sweetness, making it a favorite among whiskey enthusiasts. Both brands offer a range of expressions, including blends, single malts, and aged variants, catering to different tastes and preferences. Ultimately, the best choice between Jameson and Bushmills depends on individual taste preferences and the desired drinking experience.

Is Bushmills a Scotch Whiskey?

No, Bushmills is not a Scotch whiskey. Bushmills is an Irish whiskey, produced at the Old Bushmills Distillery in County Antrim, Northern Ireland. Irish whiskey, like Bushmills, is distilled and aged in Ireland according to specific regulations set by the Irish Whiskey Association. Scotch whiskey, on the other hand, is produced in Scotland and follows different production methods and regulations set by the Scotch Whisky Association. While both Irish whiskey and Scotch whiskey share similarities in terms of being distilled from grains and aged in barrels, they have distinct flavor profiles and characteristics shaped by their respective terroirs, production processes, and traditions.

How Much Alcohol Is in Bushmills?

Bushmills Irish Whiskey typically has an alcohol by volume (ABV) ranging from 40% to 43%, depending on the specific expression. This percentage is consistent with many other whiskies and spirits commonly available on the market. The ABV of Bushmills reflects the standard strength for whiskey, providing a balanced and enjoyable drinking experience. Whether enjoyed neat, on the rocks, or in cocktails, Bushmills’ moderate alcohol content allows the whiskey’s flavors and aromas to shine while still providing a satisfying warmth and depth of character. As with any alcoholic beverage, it’s essential to consume Bushmills responsibly and in moderation.

Is Bushmills Nice Whiskey?

Bushmills is widely regarded as a nice whiskey, appreciated for its smoothness, balanced flavors, and rich heritage. Produced in Northern Ireland at the Old Bushmills Distillery, which claims to be the oldest licensed distillery in the world, Bushmills has a reputation for quality craftsmanship and attention to detail. The brand offers a range of expressions, including their Original, Black Bush, and 10, 12, and 16-year-old single malt whiskies, each with its own distinct character and flavor profile. Bushmills is known for its smooth and approachable taste, with notes of honey, vanilla, citrus, and oak, making it a versatile choice for sipping neat, on the rocks, or in cocktails. Whether enjoyed by whiskey aficionados or casual drinkers, Bushmills consistently delivers a pleasant drinking experience, earning it a place among the top Irish whiskies on the market.

What Is the No. 1 Irish Whiskey?

Determining the number one Irish whiskey can be subjective, as preferences vary among consumers and experts alike. However, Jameson is often considered one of the most popular and best-selling Irish whiskey brands globally, earning it a strong contender for the title of number one. Established in 1780, Jameson has a long history of producing high-quality Irish whiskey known for its smoothness, complexity, and approachability. Its signature triple-distilled blend of malted and unmalted barley, along with corn, creates a distinctive flavor profile that has become synonymous with Irish whiskey. Jameson offers a range of expressions to suit different tastes and preferences, from its classic Jameson Original to more premium offerings like Jameson Black Barrel and Jameson 18-Year-Old. Its widespread popularity and consistent quality have solidified Jameson’s position as a leading Irish whiskey brand in the global market.

Which Whisky Is Best: Irish or Scotch?

The debate over whether Irish whiskey or Scotch whisky is best is largely a matter of personal preference and taste. Both categories of whiskey have distinct characteristics and flavor profiles that appeal to different palates. Irish whiskey is known for its smoothness, lightness, and subtle sweetness, often attributed to its triple distillation process and use of unmalted barley. Scotch whisky, on the other hand, is characterized by its diverse range of flavors, which can vary depending on factors such as region, production methods, and aging process. Scotch whiskies often exhibit smoky, peaty, or fruity notes, imparted by factors like peat smoke during drying or aging in oak casks.

Ultimately, whether Irish whiskey or Scotch whisky is considered best comes down to individual preferences. Some may prefer the smoothness and approachability of Irish whiskey, while others may appreciate the complexity and diversity of Scotch whisky. Both categories offer a wide range of expressions to explore and enjoy, making it worthwhile to sample various options and discover what suits your taste best.

How Do You Drink Bushmills?

Bushmills can be enjoyed in various ways, depending on personal preference and desired drinking experience. Many whiskey enthusiasts prefer to drink Bushmills neat, meaning straight from the bottle without any additional mixers or dilution. This allows the full flavor profile of the whiskey to be appreciated without any distractions. Alternatively, Bushmills can be enjoyed on the rocks, served over ice to chill the whiskey slightly and mellow its flavors. Some may also choose to mix Bushmills into cocktails, such as a classic Irish whiskey highball or an Old Fashioned, where its smoothness and balanced flavors complement other ingredients. Ultimately, how one chooses to drink Bushmills is a matter of personal preference, and experimenting with different serving methods can help uncover the most enjoyable way to savor this renowned Irish whiskey.

Final Thoughts

Bushmills Irish Whiskey is a unique Irish blended whiskey with a lengthy history of over 400 years. Pour yourself a glass if you want to reminisce the days past or look forward to the future!

This versatile whiskey will work excellently whether you’re sipping it neat or in your favorite mixed drinks.

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